Genetic analysis of emotional reactivity in sheep: effects of the genotypes of the lambs and of their dams

Autor: Bibé Bernard, Poindron Pascal, Orgeur Pierre, Bouix Jacques, Boissy Alain, Le Neindre Pierre
Jazyk: German<br />English<br />French
Rok vydání: 2005
Předmět:
Zdroj: Genetics Selection Evolution, Vol 37, Iss 5, Pp 381-401 (2005)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1297-9686
0999-193X
DOI: 10.1186/1297-9686-37-5-381
Popis: Abstract A total of 1347 weaned lambs from eight genotypes were tested over five consecutive years: Romanov (ROM) and Lacaune (LAC) pure breeds, the two F1 crossbreeds (RL and LR) and the offspring of ewes from these four genotypes sired with Berrichon-du-Cher rams (BCF). The lambs were individually exposed to three challenging tests involving novelty, human contact and social isolation. Ten synthetic variables were used to express social reactivity (i.e., active vs. passive strategy), exploratory activity and reactivity to humans. BCF crossbreds were more active (i.e., high bleats, locomotion and attempts to escape) than purebreds and F1. In contrast, ROM expressed more passive responses (i.e., low bleats and vigilance postures) than LAC and BCF crossbreds. In addition, ROM approached a motionless human less and had longer flight distances to an approaching human than did LAC and BCF crossbreds. When restrained, ROM, and to a lesser extent B×ROM and B×LR, avoided human contact more than did LAC, RL and B×LAC. Most of these differences were explained by direct additive genetic effects while maternal influences or heterosis effects were rarely significant. The highest heritability was for high bleats (h2 = 0.48). Females were more active and avoided human contact more than did males.
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