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This article explores the progress made in selecting for temperament in different breeds, including Salers, Limousin, Angus, and Australian Limousin and Angus. It discusses the use of EPDs and scoring systems, data collection, number of records collected, heritability, genetic trends, and the breeders' efforts in improving docility.
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Have we seen any progress in breeds selecting for temperament? 2010 NBCEC Brown Bagger October 27, 2010 Sherry Doubet American Salers Association
Breeds with Docility EPDs • American Salers Association • North American Limousin Foundation • American Angus Association • Australia • Limousin • Angus
Scoring Systems • Salers • Developed a 1-5 scoring system prior to BIF • Limousin and Angus • Use the 1-6 BIF scoring system • Australian Limousin and Angus • Use a 1-5 scoring system • 1 is calm, 5&6 are aggressive & wild
Data Collection • Salers, Limousin, Aust. Limousin and Aust. Angus allow weaning and yearling measurements • Angus are using yearling measurements
Number of Records Collected • Salers – 163,066 • Limousin – 210,167 • Angus – 94,357 • Australian Limousin – 48,276 • Australian Angus – 22,055
Heritability of Docility • Salers data - 0.236 • Limousin data – 0.40 • Angus data – 0.37
Have we seen any progress on breeds selecting for temperament? (or against poor docility)
Genetic Trend - Angus • Relatively flat • Australian Angus – in research phase, none reported
Have we seen any progress on breeds selecting for temperament? (or against poor docility)
Progress • As with most any trait that is heritable and can be measured, we can make progress in selecting for or against it.
Progress • Definitely the case with Docility! • Easy trait to see • Easy trait to cull on • Easy to report data • Breeders have done a great job improving upon the trait.
Ask Justin – You can use EPDs to make Improvement in Docility!