Genetic influence on behavior and welfare of sheep

The genetic makeup of an animal, its genotype, can influence many traits relating to adaption and ability to cope with challenges. This chapter provides a short introduction to genetic terminology and reviews the evidence for a genetic contribution to behavior and welfare-related traits. Although the contribution of genotype to behavior and fitness traits (such as disease resistance) is small, evidence for an impact of genetics on mother-offspring behavior, social and feeding behavior, temperament, adaptation to climate, disease resistance and survival is presented. Selection studies for divergence in ewe rearing ability and temperament demonstrate that genetic approaches to altering sheep behavior and lamb survival are possible. Thus, although the environment remains the main determinant of sheep welfare, its behavioral and adaptive capacities conferred by its genotype, do make a significant contribution.