Keeping repair costs and vet bills to a minimum is not the only reason to select for docile cattle. Animal and handler safety are two other very important reasons to cull the cows that are on the wild side. Bob Weaber, University of Missouri Extension genetic specialist, indicates that many producers make culling decisions based on disposition because typically “animals that have a better temperament have fewer injuries.” Additionally, calm animals mean a more enjoyable work experience for the animal handlers. This is important as farmers are getting older and safety may be more of a concern. Another reason folks look for animals with a docile temperament is that the whole family may be involved in the cattle operation, including younger children, and their safety is an important concern for everyone.
However, there are some bottom line considerations. Weaber says “Calves at weaning time that are more docile have heavier weaning weights than calves that are more aggressive.” Additionally, research indicated that calmer animals gained 0.8lb/day more than the less calm animals in a post-weaning period of 55 days. Feedyards indicate that docile animals have better feed intakes and better average daily gain than the wilder animals. “So there’s an economic incentive to select for animals that are better behaved,” he says. Weaber’s studies indicate that docility is a relatively heritable trait; estimates range from 25% to 40%, so the heritability is similar to that of weaning weight, yearling weight and some of the carcass traits.
However, one always has to look at the other side of the coin. Can we select for cattle that are too docile – especially on the female side? Brood cows that don’t respond adequately to a predator threat or does not exhibit good maternal bonding instincts are certainly not desirable traits. Weaber indicates there’s not a lot of research supporting those assumptions, but it’s something to think about.
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