Methods of Assessing Cattle Temperament and Factors Affecting it: a review

Abstract

In animal husbandry, the herd should consist of animals that are well adapted to a particular environment, which allows a safe working environment and the achievement of optimal production and economic results. Animals react differently to both positive and negative factors of the environment. Individual response to novel situations can affect metabolism as well as various physiological systems. A number of biochemical characteristics can be used as markers for assessing temperament. Temperament can also be defined as a combination of characteristics or qualities that form individual distinctive character. In this review article, we present various methods of assessing cattle temperament, firstly, in environments familiar to the animal, such as the barn and milking parlor, secondly, in unfamiliar special rooms or arenas with special equipment and, thirdly, considering other possible effects on the expression of temperament. Measurement of stress markers in saliva, feces, and hair using noninvasive methods has also been described as one of the approaches to assess temperament. Knowledge of cattle temperament allows us to work safely, introduce appropriate adapted breeding technologies, and improve housing conditions, which, consequently, results in improved animal welfare.

Medidas comportamentais e fisiológicas: correlação e relevância para avaliação do bem-estar de bovinos de corte

“…The correlation between the behavioural variables composite scale score and flight distance presented a nominal value of 0.57414, showing these measures to be moderately associated (Table 1). The different ways of assessing temperament measure the animal's fear responses, possibly describing distinct components of reactivity (Smolinger & Škorjanc, 2021). temperament of the individual as a quality (Sartori et al, 2019), while the composite scale score can be related to docility, which expresses the character of an individual who learns easily, is easily led and can adapt to environments and handling.…”

Contemporary Knowledge on the Assessment of Temperament in Cattle and Its Impact on Production and Reproduction Including Some Immunological, Genetic and Metabolic Parameters

“…Some of a stress markers also correlate with a temperament. Measurement of a stress marker, cortisol, in saliva, feces and hair using non-invasive methods has been described [ 42 ]. Excitable beef cows have higher plasma or serum cortisol concentration (CC) than calm cows [ 43 ].…”

Characterization of the Temperament and Reactivity of Nelore Cattle (Bos indicus) Associated with Behavior Scores during Corral Management in the Humid Tropics

“…There are various temperament indicators used in scientific research, due to their usefulness and ease of application. In general, the methodologies are classified according to the condition in which they will be tested, varying between tests with and without restraint [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. The use of the escape velocity score is used to assess temperament through the time it takes them to cover the distance between the exit point and an open area.…”