Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the temperament of Canchim calves using different methods, to compare these methods, and to determine the most suitable for commercial use. The temperament of 1,831 calves was evaluated at 15 days after weaning by visually analyzing movement, tension, breathing, vocalizing, and kicking. Measurements were taken at 10 and 20 s after the calf entered the scale. The reactivity score was determined electronically, and flight speed was measured after the calf left the scale. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the first component explained 40.27% of total variation. Positive correlations were found for tension at 10 and 20 s, movement at 10 and 20 s, and reactivity score, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.60 to 0.88. Temperament and reactivity scores presented moderate correlations of 0.25 and 0.35, respectively, with flight speed. However, kicking had no correlation with any variable. No differences were observed for reactivity measured at 10 or 20 s. The visual evaluations of movement and tension or of reactivity through an electronic device can be used for temperament evaluation of Canchim calves.
Index terms
Bos taurus; beef cattle; behavioral responses; composite breed; principal components
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