Genetics and Behavior During Handling, Restraint, and Herding - Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals - page 113

Chapter 4
Genetics and Behavior During
Handling, Restraint, and
Herding
Temple Grandin * and Mark J. Deesing †
*Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;
† Grandin Livestock Handling Systems, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
INTRODUCTION
The primary objective of this chapter is to discuss the effects of genetics on
the behavior of grazing animals during handling and restraint. Some of the
species that will be covered are cattle, sheep, horses, and goats. Since the pub-
lication of the first edition in 1998, there are numerous new research studies
on how genetic factors and early experience affect the behavior of herding ani-
mals. In the first edition, the primary emotional variable discussed was fear.
Many scientists studying animal behavior assert that emotional experiences of
animals are questions science cannot answer since there is no direct evidence
of subjective states—i.e., experiencing what they are experiencing. Recently,
neurobiological evidence shows that mammals have additional emotional
systems that drive behavior ( Morris et al., 2011 ; Panksepp, 1998 ). The brain
mechanisms for psychological experiences exist in some of the most ancient
regions of the brain and are similar in mice and men. Panksepp (2011) defined
the basic emotional circuits of mammalian brains:
FEAR—Emotion caused by a perceived threat. Sometimes referred to as
behavioral reactivity, behavioral agitation, or a highly reactive temperament.
PANIC—Separation distress. Sometimes referred to as social isolation
stress or high social reinstatement behavior.
RAGE—A feeling of intense anger.
LUST—Sexual desire or appetite.
CARE—Maternal nurturing
PLAY—A system to help young animals acquire social knowledge
In this edition, research studies will be viewed through the lens of
Panksepp's core emotional systems. Although Panksepp's use of the word