Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs
| Project start date: | 01 February 2012 |
| Project end date: | 20 March 2015 |
| Publication date: | 20 March 2015 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
Summary
What is the report about? What were the objectives?
This report presents our findings regarding the ways to optimise the performance of livestock working dogs in Australia. The methods that we have available to optimise dog performance include both environmental and genetic factors. The objectives of this study were to identify objective measures of desirable behavioural phenotypes in Australian livestock working dogs and explore genetic parameters of these 'quality of working life' traits within the Kelpie breed. The document reports on genotyping that reveals gene-behaviour associations and describes heritability estimates that underpin a database for potential estimated breeding value (EBV) calculations.
Who is the report targeted at?
This report is aimed at industry producers who breed, train, handle, work and trial livestock working dogs. The aim of this project was to provide information of direct relevance to livestock working dog breeders, handlers and trainers in a bid to optimise the performance and selection of livestock working dogs, and so reduce wastage rates, and increase profitability and welfare.
Background
It is widely acknowledged that livestock working dogs make a profound contribution to Australia's livestock industries and the rural economy. The working dog also holds a firm place in folklore that reflects its companionship and loyalty. Despite this, there are significant gaps in our knowledge relating to livestock working dogs. Much of the information that underpins current breeding and training decisions is only anecdotal.
Methods used / where are the relevant industries located in Australia?
To address these knowledge gaps, our research project collected data on over 4000 dogs using The Farm Dog Survey, which gathered information from over 800 livestock working dog owners around Australia. The survey was designed to collect information relating to a wide range of livestock working dog usage and management factors, as well as characteristics of dog owners and handlers. The target audience for the survey was all livestock working do owners and handlers in Australia. The sample survey we obtained is similar to the Australian farming population when considering several demographic characteristics such as gender, age and geographic location. We are thus confident that the results and findings we obtained are relevant to producers Australia-wide and are of sufficient quality to inform heritability estimates. Using the Working Kelpie pedigree, that represents over 80 000 dogs, we have devised methods that underpin a database for EBV calculations.
To view the publication refer to RIRDC website, ctrl + click on linkValuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs
