Commencing implementation of a genetic evaluation system for livestock working dogs by C. M. Wade, D. van Rooy, E. R. Arnott, J. B. Early and P. D. McGreevy June 2021 Commencing implementation of a genetic evaluation system for livestock working dogs by C. M. Wade, D. van Rooy, E. R. Arnott, J. B. Early and P. D. McGreevy June 2021 i © 2021 AgriFutures Australia All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-76053-135-5 ISSN 1440-6845 Commencing implementation of a genetic evaluation for livestock working dogs Publication No. 20-117 Project No: PRJ-010413 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to AgriFutures Australia Communications Team on 02 6923 6900. Researcher contact details Professor Claire Wade RMC Gunn B19-301 University of Sydney Camperdown NSW 2006 02 9351 8097 [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to AgriFutures Australia publishing this material in its edited form. AgriFutures Australia contact details Building 007, Tooma Way Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 02 6923 6900 [email protected] www.agrifutures.com.au Electronically published by AgriFutures Australia at www.agrifutures.com.au in June 2021 AgriFutures Australia is the new trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC), a statutory authority of the Federal Government established by the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. Photo credit: Page i – Al Dodge Photography ii Foreword The contribution of working dogs to Australia’s livestock industries is well-recognised, but the complex array of factors that influence breeding, selection and performance are yet to be fully understood. From previous research funded by AgriFutures Australia, we know that on average Australian livestock producers own three to four dogs, and 90% of these are Kelpies, Collies or a cross of these two breeds. Most working dogs are purchased from a dedicated breeder and used as ‘all-rounders’ in terms of their daily activities, however up to 20% of dogs are culled due to a lack of ‘natural ability’, poor temperament or training issues. With the potential to deliver in excess of a five-fold return on investment in terms of their contribution to the livestock enterprises in which they work, further investment in exploring the factors that lead to working dog success is warranted. This project builds on the knowledge gained through the previous project and delivers insights that will enable working dog breeders and buyers to select animals with a higher potential for success across a variety of working contexts. The project also delivers confidence in the genetic depth of the Australian Working Kelpie as a purebred breed. The resources provided from this project have characterised the livestock herding dog industry’s production of a cluster of specialist dog types. If the level of canine specialisation across the sector is better appreciated, then working dog buyers are more likely to seek animals from appropriate breeders, improving the perceived value of dogs purchased and reducing the likelihood of dog failure. This project was funded by AgriFutures Australia, The University of Sydney and the Working Kelpie Council of Australia (WKC). This report is an addition to AgriFutures Australia’s diverse range of more than 2,000 research publications. It forms part of our Emerging Industries Program, which aims to support new and emerging rural industries. Most of AgriFutures Australia’s publications are available for viewing, free downloading or purchase online at www.agrifutures.com.au. Michael Beer General Manager, Business Development AgriFutures Australia iii About the authors Professor Claire Wade is Chair of Animal Genetics and Computational Biology at The University of Sydney. Prof Wade leads a programme in medical and behavioural genetics with particular focus on the dog. In recent years, her focus has included key roles in the analysis of the canine reference genome, the development of three canine gene-mapping arrays, and the mapping of several genes for canine diseases leading thus far to three commercially available tests for genetic diseases. She has current projects exploring the genetics of separation-related distress disorder, aggression, deafness, congenital birth defects, and pigmentation in the dog. Prof Wade has published more than 100 journal articles and has more than 16,000 citations from works in elite journals including Nature, Nature Genetics, and Science. Claire was a researcher and co-author of the previous AgriFutures Australia working dog project Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs (PRJ-007806). Dr Diane van Rooy graduated in Veterinary Science from The University of Melbourne in 1990. Her interest in animal behaviour grew over the next 17 years in veterinary practice in outer Melbourne. In 2004, Dr van Rooy attained membership of the Veterinary Behaviour chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (the College). In 2019, she completed her PhD at The University of Sydney, researching the genetic basis of separation-related distress in dogs. She continues to combine research with private behaviour consultations and veterinary practice. Dr Liz Arnott graduated from The University of Sydney in 2003 and worked in small animal practice in regional NSW, Sydney and the United Kingdom. Dr Arnott was awarded a Masters in Small Animal Practice from Murdoch University and achieved membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (the College) in small animal medicine in 2011. In 2014, she became a member of the Animal Welfare chapter of the College and completed a PhD in livestock working dog behaviour in 2018. Dr Arnott now works in the field of animal welfare policy and legislation. Jonathan Early graduated in Veterinary Science from The University of Sydney in 2005. During his undergraduate training, he developed a particular interest in animal behaviour and welfare. Since graduating, he has worked in mixed practice in Victoria, small animal and exotics practice in Hobart and locumed across the United Kingdom. Prior to beginning his PhD in livestock working dogs, Mr Early worked in the Animal Health Policy Branch within the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in Canberra. He recently attained membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour. Professor Paul McGreevy is Chair of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Science at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science. He is one of only five veterinarians recognised worldwide by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as Specialists in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and has written nine books, 30 chapters and more than 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His team achieved significant success in revealing the nature of canine cognition and identifying early behavioural (and morphological) traits associated with success in puppies undergoing training for guide work. He is on the expert panel of the UK’s Dog Breeding Advisory Council. Prof McGreevy was the primary co- author of the previous working dog project Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs (PRJ-007806), a project that delivered more than 10 peer-reviewed articles relevant to the current topic. iv Acknowledgments We wish to acknowledge the assistance of the Working Kelpie Council of Australia, which provided guidance and input into the design of this work. In particular, Mrs Barbara Cooper and Dr Don Robertson provided invaluable advice and assistance. We further wish to thank the dog owners and handlers who contributed data for this work. We particularly wish to thank Peri Chappell from Herds2Homes working dog rescue, who provided valuable assistance in the questionnaire validation, and Glenda Forster, who worked to liaise with working dog breeders and owners across Australia. Thanks also go to AgriFutures Australia for providing valuable funding support. Abbreviations ANKC Australian National Kennel Council AWK Australian working kelpie EBV Estimated breeding value GBV Genomic breeding value LHDEF Livestock Herding Dog Evaluation Form WDP Working Dog Project WKC Working Kelpie