Articles | Volume 64, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-64-177-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-64-177-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Review
| 
25 May 2021
Review |
| 25 May 2021
| 25 May 2021
Unintended consequences of selection for increased production on the health and welfare of livestock
Este van Marle-Köster
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028,
South Africa
Carina Visser
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028,
South Africa
Related authors
Robyn C. Joubert, Bernice E. Mostert, Andries Masenge, and Esté van Marle-Köster
Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-1-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-1-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Lameness is a significant cow welfare issue, and it is directly linked to claw health. Large variation in the recording, identification, and management of claw lesions adds to the complexity of finding sustainable solutions. Phenotypic correlations and heritability estimates found in this study indicate that claw lesion data have the potential to be used for genetic evaluation of hoof health; therefore, simplification and standardisation of data collection should be encouraged.
Robyn C. Joubert, Bernice E. Mostert, Andries Masenge, and Esté van Marle-Köster
Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-1-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-1-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
Lameness is a significant cow welfare issue, and it is directly linked to claw health. Large variation in the recording, identification, and management of claw lesions adds to the complexity of finding sustainable solutions. Phenotypic correlations and heritability estimates found in this study indicate that claw lesion data have the potential to be used for genetic evaluation of hoof health; therefore, simplification and standardisation of data collection should be encouraged.
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Short summary
Selection for increased production in intensive and extensive livestock production systems caused animal health and welfare to deteriorate. This is observed in reduced fertility, lameness and claw health in dairy cattle and pigs, resulting in unnecessary culling. In addition, inbreeding has resulted in a number of genetic defects in cows, sheep and pigs. Accurate recording and an increased awareness of welfare traits are necessary to find sustainable solutions.
Selection for increased production in intensive and extensive livestock production systems...
