Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals

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 commonly 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.

• Includes four new chapters on dog and fox behavior, pig behavior, the effects of domestication and horse behavior
• Synthesizes research from behavioral genetics, animal science, and veterinary literature
• Broaches fields of behavior genetics and behavioral research
• Includes practical applications of principles discovered by behavioral genetics researchers
• Covers many species ranging from pigs, dogs, foxes, rodents, cattle, horses, and cats

Temple Grandin is one of the world’s most accomplished and well-known adults with autism. She is known for her work in animal behavior, welfare, and the design of cattle handling facilities. She has a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and is a professor at Colorado State University. She is the author of ten books, including the national bestsellers Thinking in Pictures, Animals in Translation, and Visual Thinking. Dr. Grandin is a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America. She lectures to parents and teachers throughout the U.S. on her experiences with autism, and her work has been covered in the New York Times, People, National Public Radio, and the Wall Street Journal. Most recently she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of the year. The HBO movie based on her life, starring Claire Danes, received seven Emmy Awards. She is now a Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University. In 2025, she received the Humane Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association. A new documentary about her teaching and research was produced by Colorado State University. It is titled An Open Door.

Mark Deesing began his career in the livestock industry as a farrier and horse trainer. In 1993 he met Temple Grandin and began to work with her first in research and writing projects. They co-authored multiple books together, along with several referred journal articles on cattle behavior. Mark and Temple pioneered work on using facial hair patterns to predict temperament and fertility in cattle. Currently Mark is a custom design consultant for Grandin Livestock Handling Systems, Inc., and has designed hundreds of handling facilities for all types of livestock, as well as wildlife and zoo species.