Estimation of genetic parameters for stillbirth of Japanese Black cattle in Kagoshima

The use of behavioral tests of fearfulness in chicks to distinguish between the Japanese native chicken breeds, Tosa‐Kukin and Yakido

“…In addition, it seems that the Japanese breeds have been selected unintentionally to not fear human handling because these native breeds, which had been reared as ornamental birds (Oyama, 1979;Schmudde, 2005), have many opportunities (e.g. daily management or competitive show) for human contact.…”

“…However, there was a discrepancy, as mentioned above, between the results of the tonic immobility and manual restraint tests because that the manual restraint test measures fearfulness elicited by human handling (Uitdehaag et al., 2008), whereas tonic immobility is an instinctive catatonic response (Jones, 1986; Mills & Faure, 1991). In addition, it seems that the Japanese breeds have been selected unintentionally to not fear human handling because these native breeds, which had been reared as ornamental birds (Oyama, 1979; Schmudde, 2005), have many opportunities (e.g. daily management or competitive show) for human contact.…”

“…The source of origin of TOK is Kochi Prefecture, and adult body weight is around 4,500 g for males and 3,400 g for females (Figure 1a). This breed is thought to have been established in the last half of 1800s (Oyama, 1979; Schmudde, 2005). YKD is a Malay‐type breed, which archives its great height from a combination of long neck, long legs, upright body carriage, and black feathers.…”

“…The origin is Mie Prefecture, and adult body weight is around 2,600 g for males and 2,100 g for females (Figure 1b). This breed has been established since the last half of 1800s (Oyama, 1979; Schmudde, 2005). Parental stocks of each breed are maintained at prefectural livestock experiment stations and the breeds are available for the production of crossbred chickens (Kumano‐Jidori and Hachikin‐Jidori).…”

“…From the latter half of the 20th century, not only geneticists but also agronomists have felt uneasy about the loss of genetic diversity of indigenous breeds, and a program for the genetic conservation of livestock resources was established by the FAO (FAO, 2007). In reference to the indigenous bioresources in Japan, there are great many indigenous chicken breeds (approximately 50 breeds), and most were selected for crowing, special plumage, and fighting traits (Oyama, 1979; Schmudde, 2005). Scientists, however, have paid little attention to the Japanese native breeds as a valuable genetic resource, and research has been directed mainly toward enhancing not only productivity but also animal behavior related to animal welfare (Fukano et al., 2015; Nakasai et al., 2013).…”