Breeding For Robustness In Cattle (Hb 2009) Hardcover

Robustness in Dairy Cattle: Concept and Implications addresses the concerning trends of declining fertility, udder health, and locomotion observed in some major dairy breeds over the past decade. This decline is attributed to a significant increase in milk production coupled with inadequate emphasis on functional traits in breeding objectives, leading to increased costs. Furthermore, larger herd sizes result in less individual attention per cow, necessitating animals that are easy to manage. Simultaneously, societal expectations for higher animal welfare standards are growing. These conflicting demands have fueled a desire for more "robust" dairy cattle, defined as the ability to maintain physiological balance in sustainable herds of the near future and to thrive in diverse environments and production systems. This unique book compiles 26 articles from authors across 16 countries, offering the first comprehensive summary of current knowledge on robustness in cattle. It explores the concept from various angles, including evolution, genetics, environment, animal health, welfare, and integrity. Beyond major functional traits, the book also discusses their links to energy balance, hot climates, and the perspectives of stakeholders regarding the integration of robustness into breeding programs. While the current focus is on the individual animal, the book acknowledges that future considerations may need to address the robustness of the entire dairy production system, a topic of increasing relevance in regions like Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, facing evolving agricultural challenges.