Practical considerations regarding the implementation of a temperament test into horse performance tests: Results of a large-scale test run

Considering the ever-growing demand of various breeding organizations for an objective, inexpensive, reliable, and easily conducted assessment of the behavior of horses, the aim of our study was to implement a novel-object test and a startling test into any kind of breeding performance testing to assess horses' temperament. Additionally, the influence of testing areas (familiar or unfamiliar), riders, and horse factors such as levels of training, breed, and age were of interest. Furthermore, recommendations for the practical implementation concerning the parameters should be given. Therefore, 1,028 horses over a period of 3 years participated in a temperament test consisting of 5 different stimuli. The horses were either ridden (61.8 %) or led by hand (38.2 %) by an unfamiliar professional rider (N = 43) or a familiar rider (N = 20). Live behavioral observations were taken by a trained observer. Overall, horses' scores for reactivity in the present temperament test were distributed over the whole scale, with lower means and higher standard deviations (6.7 ± 2.2-7.6 ± 2.1) than corresponding scores from the conventional personality evaluation in performance tests (7.7 ± 0.8-8.2 ± 0.5; P < 0.01). High correlations (r = 0.3-0.9; P < 0.001) between the scores for reactivity and the other behavioral parameters (emotional expression, activity, time to calm down, rider's aids) show a large influence of these parameters in assessing the horses' temperament. Factors like breed type, sex, and age had significant influences (P < 0.001) on different scores of the temperament test. In most cases, the rider or handler had no influence on the different scores assessed during the temperament test. The training level and the testing modus never had a significant influence on different scores. Only the testing station or location had a small influence on the scores for the stimulus “bridge” in some horses. Based on the results, it could be concluded that an implementation of a temperament tests into performance testing is possible during various types of testing procedure. Especially the assessment of reactivity, emotional expression, interest in the stimulus and rider's aids during and after passing the stimulus, as well as the time to calm down are important parameters for analyzing the horses' personality.     

A retrospective survey of riders' opinions of the use of saddle pads in horses

Horse riders have used layers between saddles and their horse's back since ancient times. Despite the apparent common usage of such layers, most research regarding pressures under horses' saddles seems to have been conducted without such layers present. An online survey of equestrian riders was conducted to quantify the use of such layers and how the layers behaved during use. This produced 1,011 responses from participants in 16 equestrian activities. More than 98% of respondents reported they used some form of layer between their horse's back and the saddle. Differences in layer usage were associated with the respondent's preferred riding discipline and the wither type of their horse. Compensation for perceived saddle fit problems was commonly cited as a reason for using layers. Although horse comfort was nominated by 87.5% of respondents as a reason for using a layer between saddle and the horse's back, many respondents (45%) reported using more than 1 layer. This often resulted in layers thicker than 1 cm, which paradoxically could compromise horse welfare. Half of the respondents reported that the layer between the saddle and the horse's back slipped during riding. Although some significant risk factors for this slippage were identified, they are deemed not to be definitive because of similar factors being identified by the group who did not report layer slippage. These results suggest that incorrect usage of layer between saddles and horses' backs can sabotage good saddle design and compromise equine welfare. Future research on the layers used between the saddles and horses' back is warranted. The question of whether using thicker layers can create greater pressure under saddles or improve rider–horse communication also needs to be investigated.     

Analysis of new temperament traits to better understand the trait spirit assessed in breeding field tests for Icelandic horses

This study investigated different aspects of the trait spirit that is routinely recorded in breeding field tests (BFTs) for Icelandic horses. Genetic parameters were estimated for spirit and six newly introduced temperament suppleness traits assessed by judges and riders in Icelandic BFTs, and for everyday life temperament traits assessed by owners of breeding horses in 2014 and 2015. The findings suggested moderate heritability for some temperament traits assessed by riders in BFTs and showed that the assessment method needs to be improved in order for judges to discern the variation in these traits. Furthermore, according to estimated correlations the score for spirit described only part of the general temperament of the horse, where aspects of general nerve strength was not well covered. Nevertheless, no clearly unfavourable correlations with spirit were found and the majority of horse owners surveyed in this study were satisfied with the assessment for spirit.     

The influence of rider:horse bodyweight ratio and rider-horse-saddle fit on equine gait and behaviour: A pilot study

The effect of rider weight on equine welfare and performance requires further investigation. The objective of this prospective, cross-over, randomised trial was to assess gait and behavioural responses of horses to riders of similar ability, but different bodyweights. Six nonlame horses in regular work were ridden by each of four riders: Light (L), Moderate (M), Heavy (H) and Very Heavy (VH). Saddle fit was assessed subjectively throughout the study. Each horse was ridden twice by riders L and M, and once by rider H. Rider VH rode five horses once and one twice. Each horse-rider combination undertook a standardised, 30-min ‘dressage-test' which was abandoned if we observed lameness grade ≥ 3/8 in one limb, grade ≥ 2/8 in ≥ 2 limbs, or ≥ 10/24 behavioural markers of pain. Horses were reassessed in hand 45–60 min after any abandonment. Mean rider bodyweights, body mass index (BMI) values and rider:horse bodyweight percentages for the L, M, H and VH riders were respectively: 60.8, 77.8, 91.0, 142.1 kg; 23.2, 28.0, 26.3, 46.9 kg/m²; 10.0–11.7%, 12.8–15.0%, 15.3–17.9%, 23.6–27.5%. All 13 H and VH rider tests (lameness, n = 12; behaviour, n = 1) and one of 12 M rider tests (lameness) were abandoned. Lameness was confirmed using inertial measurement unit data. All horses trotted sound after test abandonment and completed the study moving well when ridden. Limitations of the study were saddle fit was not ideal in all horse-rider combinations and abandonment criteria were subjective. The conclusions and clinical relevance of the study were that large riders can induce temporary lameness and behaviours consistent with musculoskeletal pain. This may relate to rider bodyweight and/or weight distribution. Riders M and H had similar BMI but markedly different test abandonment rates, therefore bodyweight is likely to be more relevant than BMI. Further work is required to determine if horse fitness, adaptation to heavier weights and better saddle fit for heavier/taller riders will increase horses' weight-carrying capacity.     

Farmer-preferred traits in smallholder dairy farming systems in Tanzania

Decisions of breeding schemes in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa tend to be either government or project driven, with a focus on upgrading local breeds. However, there is scant information on the individual animal traits that smallholder farmers prefer. The aim of this study was to examine farmers’ preferences of dairy cattle traits using a discrete choice experiment methodology. The study was conducted through visits to 555 randomly selected dairy farms in the sub-humid Eastern coast and temperate Southern highlands of Tanzania. Choices of animal traits were presented to farmers who were asked to evaluate choice alternatives based on attribute levels and finally select the alternative with the highest utility. The choice experiment data were analysed using a conditional logit model. Coefficients for milk yield, fertility, feed requirement, temperament and diseases resistance were overall statistically significant (p?<?0.05). In order of perceived importance, farmers were willing to keep a cow with high milk yield (coefficient?=?1.43?±?0.059), good fertility (0.85?±?0.050), easy temperament (0.76?±?0.066), low feed requirement (??0.56?±?0.092) and enhanced tropical disease resistance (0.48?±?0.048). The purchase price coefficient was negative (??0.001?±?0.0003), indicating that farmers would prefer improved dairy cattle at affordable prices. Farmers’ preferred traits were influenced by agro-ecological zone and type of production system (extensive vs intensive). The study provides an opportunity for breeding programme designers to take farmers’ preferred dairy traits into serious consideration.

     

Sex differences in the response of yearling horses to handling by unfamiliar humans

In adult horses, pronounced sex differences in behavior exist, and many riders prefer male horses to mares. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that sex differences in the response of horses to handling emerge before puberty, that is, in sexually immature animals. Warm-blooded yearling horses (6 males and 9 females) were exposed to a stationary human test (exposure to an unfamiliar person for 5 minutes) and a tolerance test (haltering and direct contact with the horse) on 5 consecutive days. The horses' behavior and heart rate were recorded. Male yearling horses displayed significantly less exploratory behavior than females during the stationary human test on days 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Latency to halter and ease with which horses could be haltered were significantly affected by day (P < 0.05), and a significant interaction of day and sex was detected (P < 0.05; e.g., time for haltering: females, day 1: 23.8 ± 7.8 seconds [±standard error of the mean] and day 5: 21.1 ± 1.7 seconds; males, day 1: 53.6 ± 10.4 seconds and day 5: 19.4 ± 2.2 seconds). Heart rate of the horses in response to the test situations was significantly affected by day (P < 0.01) but not by sex. In conclusion, sex differences in behavior do not only exist in adult horses but are already present in young horses before puberty. When exposed to unfamiliar humans for the first time, male yearling horses display more caution than females.     

Morphological Quality of Oocytes and Blood Plasma Metabolites in Repeat Breeding and Early Lactation Dairy Cows

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the morphological quality of oocytes in repeat breeder and early lactation cows and to determine the possible associations between the quality of oocytes and a range of blood metabolites. Oocyte quality and a range of metabolites were compared between 29 repeat breeder and 13 early lactation cows. The yield of oocytes from the repeat breeders was lower than that from the early lactation cows (4.4 ± 0.2 vs 5.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.05). Percentages of abnormal oocytes for the repeat breeders and the early lactation cows were 52.5% and 37.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). An excess of abnormal oocytes to normal was found in 55.2% of the studied repeat breeders (65.8% vs 34.2%, p < 0.05). Total protein, glucose and aspartate aminotransferase did not differ (p > 0.05) between the repeat breeders with an excess of abnormal oocytes (81 ± 1.0 g/l, 3.5 ± 1.0 mmol/l and 68.5 ± 3.7 U/l), those with the prevalence of normal oocytes (84 ± 1.0 g/l, 3.6 ± 0.1 mmol/l and 73.2 ± 3.5 U/l) and the early lactation cows (83 ± 2.0 g/l, 3.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l and 74.5 ± 3.6 U/I). The repeat breeders with an excess of abnormal oocytes had higher (p < 0.05) urea (5.2 ± 0.2 mmol/l) level than in those with the prevalence of normal oocytes (4.8 ± 0.2 mmol/l) and the early lactation cows (4.7 ± 0.2 mmol/l). A trend for higher total cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase activity was found in the repeat breeders with an excess of abnormal oocytes. In conclusion, it is suggested that possible causes of repeat breeding in dairy cows may include impaired oocytes. An excess of abnormal oocytes in the repeat breeder cows was associated with elevated blood plasma levels of urea.     

Relationships between young stallions’ temperament and their behavioral reactions during standardized veterinary examinations

Horse handling and veterinary examination can induce hazardous stress reactions. Such reactions occur especially in young and less-trained horses, particularly stallions, and make their handling a risk for breeders, grooms, and medical staff. Moreover, these stressful situations will affect the animal’s health and welfare. Because stress reactivity is thought to be partly determined by genetic factors, scientists, veterinarians, and breeders are likely to be interested in adding temperament assessments to stallion selection schemes, as it is already done in some countries. This study assesses young stallions’ temperament and its comparison with their stress reactions during a standardized veterinary examination for studbook admission. The assessment consists of a general examination, a lameness examination including flexion tests, an endoscopy of the upper airway, and a standardized radiological examination. During the years 2008 and 2009, 93 stallions were evaluated. Stallions were observed from the moment they were unloaded from the trailer at the clinic until the end of veterinary examinations. In addition to the behavioral observations made by the experimenter, each staff member in charge of the examination filled in a short questionnaire about the horse’s temperament and the “easiness of manipulation” for the performed examinations. Breeders were asked to complete a longer questionnaire about their horse’s temperament. The assessments of “aggressiveness,” “sociability,” and “learning level” temperament traits were the most consistent, as shown by the significant Spearman correlations between judges’ assessments. Undesirable behaviors during veterinary examinations leading to handling difficulties were associated with a low “easiness of manipulation” score assessed by the clinical staff. These low “easiness of manipulation” scores were positively correlated to temperament traits such as “anxiousness” and “aggressiveness” and negatively correlated to others such as “sociability” or “learning level.” Temperament assessment and behavioral observations can therefore be used to anticipate behaviors that make a horse difficult to handle during veterinary examinations. Thus, it may be important to include temperament assessment as a feature in the selection of breeding stallions—as already practiced for some breeds in some countries. Such evaluations may promote the welfare of horses and ease of handling as well as safety for the handler.     

阿勒泰白头牛基因组结构变异分析

阿勒泰白头牛是新疆阿勒泰地区的乳肉役兼用地方品种,具有白头、抗病力强和性情温顺特点。结构变异(structure variations, SVs)是影响牛表型性状的重要遗传变异形式。本研究旨在获得阿勒泰白头牛基因组SVs的特征和种质特征的候选基因。以20头阿勒泰白头牛测序深度为17.32X的基因组序列为基础,通过Delly、Lumpy和Manta三个软件进行SVs的检测,并通过SURVIVOR软件取交集进行整合,总共鉴定到37847个SVs。从类型看,缺失、易位、倒位、复制和插入的比例分别为55.5%、26.7%、8.7%、8.9%和不足0.1%。从长度看,缺失、倒位和复制的分布呈现右偏态。以频率大于0.9为标准,获得636个高频SVs,涉及865个蛋白编码基因。基因注释和富集分析发现,阿勒泰白头牛的高频SVs与免疫抗病和神经功能相关,契合了抗病力强和性情温顺特征,可作为相关特征的候选基因(免疫抗病：BolA-DQB、TNIP3、IL1RAP和IL1R1,神经性情：EPHA6、GRM7和HTR2A)。值得注意的是,我们发现ASIP基因5′非编码区存在一个缺失,该基因可减少真黑素的合成,...     

Responses of horses in behavioural tests correlate with temperament assessed by riders

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Behavioural tests as well as observers' ratings have been used to study horses' temperament. However, the relationship between the ratings and the responses in behavioural tests has not yet been studied in detail. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine this relationship between ratings and responses. METHODS: Eighteen mature Swedish Warmblood horses were subjected to 2 behavioural tests, one relating to novelty (novel object test) and one to handling (handling test). Subsequently, 16 of these horses were ridden by 16 equally experienced students, having no former experience with the horses. Immediately after each ride, the students scored the horse for 10 temperamental traits using a line rating method. RESULTS: It was shown that for each temperamental trait all 16 riders agreed on the ranking of the horses (0.212相似文献   

The use of antibiotics in cattle in North-East Benin: pharmaceutical inventory and risk practices of cattle breeders

This study’s aim is to inventory antibiotics used in cattle in North-East Benin and assess risk practices that could be the cause of both food chain contamination by antibiotic residues and selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals and humans. A survey was conducted among 98 cattle breeders in the districts of Banikoara, Kandi, Bembereke, and Kalale in North Benin. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, covering breeder status, breeding system, and antibiotic use. Multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical classification analysis were conducted to establish a breeder typology. Breeders mainly belonged to the Fulani ethnic group (71.4?±?8.9%) and almost all of them received “no formal education” (96.9?±?3.4%). Cattle herds were mainly composed of a single breed, the Borgou (76.4?±?8.1%) or the Fulani Zebu (16.0?±?7.0%). Some herds were mixed. Antibiotics groups used in cattle breeding were tetracyclines, beta-lactams, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, and macrolides, used by respectively 100%, 69.4?±?9.1%, 56.1?±?9.8%, 44.9?±?9.8%, and 34.7?±?9.4% of breeders. These drugs were purchased in local markets (59.0?±?15.4%) and veterinary pharmacy (41.0?±?15.4%). They were mainly used against respiratory diseases, lameness, mastitis, omphalitis and neonatal enteritis, and skin diseases. Only 49.0?±?9.9% of breeders seek veterinary services to treat animals and 92.9?±?5.1% of them did not respect antibiotic withdrawal times. These practices suggest that both contamination of bovine meat with antibiotic residues and selection of resistant bacteria are to be expected, resulting in adverse health effects on consumers.

     

Genetic trends for objectively measured and subjectively assessed traits in a Dorper sheep flock

Genetic trends were constructed to monitor the genetic change for subjectively assessed and objectively measured traits using data emanating from complete records from the National Small Stock Improvement Scheme database and performance records accumulated by a single breeder over a period of 24 years. The objectively measured production traits considered were weaning weight, post-weaning weight (PWW), yearling weight, average daily weight gain to weaning (ADGW), average daily weight gain during post-weaning phase (ADGPW) and average daily weight gain up to yearling age. The subjectively assessed traits (scored on a five-point scale) were conformation, fat distribution, size, type and colour. Direct genetic trends for live weight and growth traits (with the exception of ADGPW) were positive. All the objectively measured traits where maternal effects were significant, except PWW, registered small declines in maternal breeding values. The fastest genetic progress was attained by ADGW, which amounted to 0.29 % of the overall phenotypic mean per annum. Conformation and type exhibited positive but slow increments in direct breeding values at an equivalent annual rate amounting to 0.12 and 0.09 % of the overall phenotypic mean, respectively. Size demonstrated a negative genetic trend of ?0.14 % of the overall phenotypic mean per annum. Genetic trends for fat distribution and colour were negligible. It was concluded that breeders should focus more on the performance recording of objective traits as they are likely to respond favourably to selection pressure.     

An integration of external information for foreign stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses

The aim of this study was to test the integration of external information, i.e. foreign estimated breeding values (EBV) and the associated reliabilities (REL), for stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses. The Belgian model is a bivariate repeatability Best Linear Unbiased Prediction animal model only based on Belgian performances, while Belgian breeders import horses from neighbouring countries. Hence, use of external information is needed as prior to achieve more accurate EBV. Pedigree and performance data contained 101 382 horses and 712 212 performances, respectively. After conversion to the Belgian trait, external information of 98 French and 67 Dutch stallions was integrated into the Belgian evaluation. Resulting Belgian rankings of the foreign stallions were more similar to foreign rankings according to the increase of the rank correlations of at least 12%. REL of their EBV were improved of at least 2% on average. External information was partially to totally equivalent to 4 years of contemporary horses' performances or to all the stallions' own performances. All these results showed the interest to integrate external information into the Belgian evaluation.     

Genetic associations between temperament and performance traits in Nellore beef cattle

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic associations between temperament and performance traits. Temperament was evaluated in yearling male and female Nellore cattle, using four traits: temperament score (TS), for assessing animals’ reactions in a corral pen (n = 25 691); movement score (MOV), for animals’ movements recorded inside the crush; crush score (CS), for animal's general reactivity inside the crush; and flight speed (FS), for the speed (in m/s) at which the animals exited the crush (n = 11 697, for the last three methods); for all the temperament traits, lower scores indicate animals with calmer temperament. Performance traits were visual scores for conformation (C), finishing precocity (P) and muscling (M) evaluated at yearlings, and average daily gain (ADG) was estimated from weaning to yearling. Bayesian inference using Gibbs sampling was applied to estimate (co)variance components and genetic and phenotypic parameters. Heritability estimates for the temperament traits ranged from 0.07 (CS) to 0.28 (FS). Genetic correlations of the temperament traits with ADG and C, P and M were negative and ranged from −0.02 to −0.31. Phenotypic correlations were negative and consistently lower than the genetic, ranging from −0.08 to −0.02. It was concluded that the temperament traits assessed had favourable genetic correlation estimates with the performance traits studied. However, indirect responses in temperament when selecting for higher ADG and visual scoring system of C, P and M, will be low.     

Owners' perceptions of the health and performance of Pony Club horses in Australia

Pony Club is one of the leading junior equestrian organisations in the world, and was established to teach young people the many aspects of horsemanship. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the health and performance of Pony Club horses from the perspective of their owners. In-depth interviews were conducted with Pony Club members at two sites in Australia, and topics relating to participants' background with horses, horse attributes valued by participants, horse health and performance, and Pony Club-related matters. The in-depth interviews were taped, transcribed and analysed, by describing the themes and issues recorded in the dialogue and conducting cross-case analysis (finding similarities and dissimilarities between participants with respect to each of the above-mentioned topics). A total of 32 interviews were conducted. The participants' background with horses varied greatly. The horse attributes valued by > or =59% of participants included temperament, size, ability and suitability for riders. A range of issues relating to health and performance were important to > or =53% of participants, including horse temperament, nutrition, internal parasites, lameness and foot-care, and colic. Soundness and preventive health measures were rarely mentioned (< or =16% of participants). Friends or knowledgeable horse people were identified as the first point of contact for horse-health matters, and veterinarians were only used as a last resort or for serious problems. Members of Pony Club learned about their horses by trial and error. Optimal performance was described as a horse that was willing to do as the rider asked. Poor performance was usually the result of the horse misbehaving, and could include a resistance to rider commands, pigrooting and bucking.     

How Swedish breeders can substantially increase the genetic gain for the English Setter's hunting traits

In both Sweden (Swe) and Norway (Nor), the English Setter is used for hunting. Similar field trials are arranged to give breeders information on the dogs' hunting abilities. Our main objective was to study if a joint Swe–Nor genetic evaluation can improve accuracy compared with estimation of breeding values on a national level only. Genetic parameters for six hunting traits were estimated in univariate (within country) and bivariate (across country, of equivalent traits between countries and joint pedigree) analyses utilizing 3620 Swe records from 685 dogs and 94 414 Nor records from 7175 dogs. A mixed linear animal model was used, including fixed effects of sex, type of trial, year, month and interaction between age and class of trial, and random effects of animal, permanent environment, judge and residual. Heritabilities ranged from 0.07 to 0.13 for Swe and from 0.08 to 0.18 for Nor. The accuracies were higher in the bivariate analyses, especially for dogs with Swe trial results with an average increase of 19%. If comparing selection based on a joint genetic evaluation over phenotypic results alone (which is today's method), the potential genetic gain in Swe was almost doubled. Our results suggest that a joint genetic evaluation is especially advantageous for a population with limited information, such as the English Setter population in Swe. However, it should also be beneficial for Norwegian breeders because it makes it easier for them to select Swedish dogs, potentially resulting in faster genetic gain and lowered inbreeding rate.     

Diagnostic accuracy of digital photography and image analysis for the measurement of foot conformation in the horse

Reasons for performing study: Rigorous evaluation of practicable methods for the objective assessment of foot conformation has not been performed. Objectives: To assess the practicability, precision and accuracy of the process of obtaining measurements of horses' feet using photography and image processing software. Methods: Precision study: Lateral photographs of horses' feet were obtained twice by 2 veterinary surgeons (image acquisition ‐ IAc). Photographs were analysed by 2 masked veterinary surgeons on 2 occasions (image analysis ‐ IAn). Measurements were compared within and between operators for self and non‐self acquired photographs. Agreement indices (AIs) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for the IAn process alone and for the combined IAc + IAn processes. Accuracy study: Measurements obtained from lateral photographs were compared with those obtained from lateromedial radiographs. AIs and 95% LOA were calculated for each measurement. Results: Precision study: Mean intra‐ and interoperator AIs for the IAn process alone were ≥0.90 while those for the combined IAc + IAn processes were ≥0.89 for all measurements. Similar mean AIs and 95% LOA were calculated regardless of image origin. The 95% LOA for hoof angle, heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle for all comparisons were within target values. Accuracy study: Mean AIs were ≥0.89 for all measurements. The 95% LOA for heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle were within target values. Conclusions: Excellent precision was identified within and between operators regardless of image origin. High levels of accuracy were also identified, especially for heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle, indicating that photography and radiography may be used interchangeably. Potential relevance: Acquisition and analysis of photographic images is an appropriate method for the objective measurement of foot conformation, both in clinical and research settings.     

Genetic parameters for abnormal sucking traits in Austrian Fleckvieh heifers

Cross‐sucking and intersucking are considered abnormal behaviours in cattle and constitute a common problem in dairy farming. Cross‐sucking in calves is defined as sucking any body parts of another calf whereas intersucking in heifers and cows is defined as sucking the udder or udder area. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability for abnormal sucking behaviour by estimating genetic parameters and examining individual differences between sires with large progeny groups. By means of a questionnaire, cattle breeders in the federal state Lower Austria were requested to identify all currently kept animals which are known of either inter‐ or cross‐sucking (both defined as the same binary trait ‘sucking’ with 0 and 1 referring to the absence and presence of this abnormal behaviour) or allowing sucking (also treated as a binary trait, scored as 1 if an animal was known of allowing herd mates to suck and 0 otherwise). Records of 1222 farms and 13 332 dual purpose Simmental females aged between 21 and 700 days were investigated applying a linear animal model with fixed herd × year × season and random genetic animal effect and a threshold sire model with the herd × year × season effect being treated as random. In total, 8.6% and 4.1% of all calves/heifers were observed sucking and allowing sucking, respectively. Heritabilities of 0.040 ± 0.014 and 0.007 ± 0.006 (linear animal model) and 0.116 ± 0.041 and 0.026 ± 0.024 (threshold model) were found for the traits sucking and allowing sucking, respectively. Breeding values were estimated applying the same models for the trait sucking. Taking all 254 sires into account, the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients between breeding values estimated by linear animal and sire threshold model were 0.86 and 0.80. Thus, little difference was observed between the two methods.