Association between personality traits of dairy cows and their peripubertal heifer offspring

This study aimed to determine if personality traits identified in dairy cows during the transition phase are correlated with those of their peripubertal heifer calves. At ∼24 d before calving and after being first introduced automated milking system, 23 Holstein were assessed using a combined arena test [consisting exposure consecutive novel environment (NE), object (NO), human (NH) tests]. Personality established by principal component analysis (PCA) behaviors expressed these tests. The PCA cow precalving revealed 3 factors, or traits, interpreted as exploratory, active, bold. postcalving 2 active exploratory. From cows, female heifers produced enrolled this at 7 mo age. Heifers tested once through similar test. NO bold, exploratory-active, social. NH exploratory-active All factor scores from each pair for association. An association between higher on exploratory lower bold was detected. There tendencies be associated that scored highly factors data suggests there some limited associations offspring; further exploration may lead prediction based personality.