Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0122951301 ISBN 13: 9780122951305

Publisher: Academic Press, 1997

Synopsis

Behavior is shaped by both genetics and experience-nature and nurture. This book synthesizes research from behavioral genetics and animal and veterinary science, bridging the gap between these fields. The objective is to show that principles of behavioral genetics have practical applications to agricultural and companion animals.
The continuing domestication of animals is a complex process whose myriad impacts on animal behavior are often under-appreciated. Genetic factors play a significant role in both species-specific behaviors and behavioral differences exhibited by individuals in the same species. Leading authorities explore the impact of increased intensities of selection on domestic animal behavior. Rodents, cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, herding and guard dogs, and poultry are all included in these discussions of genetics and behavior, making this book useful to veterinarians, livestock producers, laboratory animal researchers and technicians, animal trainers and breeders, and any researcher interested in animal behavior.

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* Synthesizes research from behavioural genetics, animal science, and veterinary literature
* Broaches fields of behaviour genetics and behavioural research
* Includes practical applications of principles discovered by behavioural genetics researchers
* Contains a minimum of scientific jargon

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Temple Grandin (born August 29, 1947) is an American doctor of animal science, a professor at Colorado State University, a best-selling author, an autistim activist, and a consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. She also created the "hug box," a device to calm those on the autism spectrum. The subject of an award-winning, 2010 biographical film, Temple Grandin, she also was listed in the Time 100 list of the one hundred most influential people in the world in the "Heroes" category.

Review

"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

Edition details

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0122951301
• ISBN 13: 9780122951305
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368
• Editor: Grandin Temple, Deesing Mark J.