Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals [Hardcover]

Temple Grandin (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0122951301 | ISBN-13: 978-0122951305 | Publication Date: November 27, 1997 | Edition: 1

Behavior is shaped by both genetics and experience-nature and nurture. This book synthesizes research from behavioral genetics and animal and veterinary science, bridging the gap between these fields. The objective is to show that principles of behavioral genetics have practical applications to agricultural and companion animals.
The continuing domestication of animals is a complex process whose myriad impacts on animal behavior are often under-appreciated. Genetic factors play a significant role in both species-specific behaviors and behavioral differences exhibited by individuals in the same species. Leading authorities explore the impact of increased intensities of selection on domestic animal behavior. Rodents, cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, herding and guard dogs, and poultry are all included in these discussions of genetics and behavior, making this book useful to veterinarians, livestock producers, laboratory animal researchers and technicians, animal trainers and breeders, and any researcher interested in animal behavior.

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* Synthesizes research from behavioural genetics, animal science, and veterinary literature
* Broaches fields of behaviour genetics and behavioural research
* Includes practical applications of principles discovered by behavioural genetics researchers
* Contains a minimum of scientific jargon

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In light of the ongoing debate on 'nature versus nurture' as determinants of behavior, it is somewhat surprising that this is the first book devoted to the role genetics plays in domestic animal behavior. ...this topic has not previously been given the in-depth treatment it receives here. Editor Grandin's stated objective is 'to illustrate that principles discovered by behavioral genetics researchers have practical applications in agricultural and companion animals.' Of particular interest is the final chapter, 'Genetics and Animal Welfare,' which examines the often damaging effects of our efforts to select for certain traits and suggests criteria for determining the ethical limit for genetic selection. A fine work, highly readable and well documented. Extensive bibiographies. Recommended for all academic libraries."
--CHOICE

From the Back Cover

Behavior is shaped by both genetics and experience-nature and nurture. This book synthesizes research from behavioral genetics and animal and veterinary science, bridging the gap between these fields. The objective is to show that principles of behavioral genetics have practical applications to agricultural and companion animals.
The continuing domestication of animals is a complex process whose myriad impacts on animal behavior are often underappreciated. Genetic factors play a significant role in both species-specific behaviors and behavioral differences exhibited by individuals in the same species. Leading authorities explore the impact of increased intensities of selection on domestic animal behavior. Rodents, cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, herding and guard dogs, and poultry are all included in these discussions of genetics and behavior, making this book useful to veterinarians, livestock producers, laboratory animal researchers and technicians, animal trainers and breeders, and any researcher interested in animal behavior.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 356 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (November 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0122951301
• ISBN-13: 978-0122951305
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,099,372 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Awe-inspiring insights!, June 29, 2009

By 

Joanne M. Friedman "Schoolmarm" (Newton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals (Hardcover)

Temple Grandin is simply the best animal behaviorist in the country. I have read all of her books and found an amazing amount of fascinating and useful insight in each. This one is a bit more specialized, which is why I only rated it four stars. I enjoy text books, but a reader looking for a light romp isn't going to find that here. What he will find is sheer brilliance and a new perspective toward all animals, not just the domestic varieties specifically noted. Grandin's books should be required reading for anyone who has any interest in animals and particularly for people who keep, raise, breed and handle them whether as professionals or hobbyists.