Early predictors of dominance ability in heifers (Bos taurus, L.) of the Herens breed

Many studies have looked for predictors of dominance in various species. However. to our knowledge only short term predictors have been investigated. Cows of the Herens breed have been selected for fighting tendency and dominance ability; therefore these animals constitute an original and pertinent model to study the possibility of predicting dominance ability at an early age. Physical characteristics, several aspects of social behaviour, reactivity to fear eliciting situations, docility towards humans were assessed in 28 heifers at 6 and 18 months of age. These heifers were reared from birth in 5 permanent groups which never met. Dominance of the 28 subjects was estimated at 30 mo. by observing each heifer in a succession of seven groups that each contained 4 unacquainted animals.