The Use of Genetics to Improve Dairy Cattle Welfare

For many years selective breeding has been used to improve production in our livestock animals. Recently with the public becoming more concerned with the welfare of our livestock animals ways in which we can improve animal welfare has been a growing topic. For animals to have good welfare, it follows that they need to be in good health. This study looked at the way to improve welfare in dairy cows by selecting for disease resistance. We conducted an extensive literature review, along with surveying producers and producer groups. From our survey and literature review we determined which diseases are a concern in terms of welfare in the dairy industry, and which dairy cattle diseases have a genetic resistance component. After talking to producers they mentioned that lameness, caused by a bacterial infection called digital dermatitis, is a substantial welfare concern. In addition to digital dermatitis, literature searches and surveys of producer groups indicated that mastitis was also a major concern in dairy cattle welfare. Mastitis was found to have a genetic component, while digital dermatitis research regarding any heritability is still ongoing. Heritability refers to the ability for a parent to pass a genetic trait such as disease resistance onto their offspring. The other diseases that have a genetic component are metritits, ketosis, and Johne`s. To convey this information our group assembled an array of deliverables, including webpages on Livestock Gentec’s website, a consumer article, a producer article and an academic article. We also presented a PowerPoint presentation at the Livestock Care Conference, along with a poster and a short paper. Our recommendation for improving the number of healthy dairy cow daughters is careful recording of maternal breeding and sire health.