This book synthesizes research from behavioural genetics, animal science and the veterinary literature in order to bridge the gap between the fields of genetics and behavioural research. The authors' objective is to show that principles discovered by behavioral geneticists have practical applications in agricultural and companion animals.
Contributors. Preface. Behavioral Genetics and Animal Science, T. Grandin and M.J. Deesing. Behavioral Genetics and the Process of Animal Domestication, E. O. Price. Fear and Fearfulness in Determining Behavior, A. Boissy. Genetics and Behavior during Handling, Restraint, and Herding, T. Grandin and M.J. Deesing. Maternal and Reproductive Behavior of Livestock, P.J. Chenoweth and A.J. Landaeta-Hernandez. Differences in the Behavior of Dog Breeds, R. Coppinger and L. Coppinger. Genetic Effects on Horse Behavior, J.C. Heird and M.J. Deesing. Improving the Adaptability of Animals by Selection, J.M. Faure and A.D. Mills. Genetics and the Behavior of Chickens: Welfare and Productivity, J.Craig and W. Muir. The Influence of Genes on Social Behavior of Dogs, M.E. Hahn and J.C. Wright. Genetics and Animal Welfare, T. Grandin and M.J. Deesing. Index.
In light of the ongoing debate on 'nature versus nurture' as determinants of behavior, it is somewhat surprising that this is the first book devoted to the role genetics plays in domestic animal behavior. ...this topic has not previously been given the in-depth treatment it receives here. Editor Grandin's stated objective is 'to illustrate that principles discovered by behavioral genetics researchers have practical applications in agricultural and companion animals.' Of particular interest is the final chapter, 'Genetics and Animal Welfare,' which examines the often damaging effects of our efforts to select for certain traits and suggests criteria for determining the ethical limit for genetic selection. A fine work, highly readable and well documented. Extensive bibiographies. Recommended for all academic libraries. --CHOICE