Temperament

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The temperament index is 0.5% fo the TMI. This trait is scored by farmers on first lactation heifers and is reported to the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System.

Photo of farmer Bjørnhild Vigerust cuddling with one of her cows.
The temperament trait is scored by farmers on first lactation heifers. Photo: Turi Nordengen

In the registation of this trait a scale of 1 to 3 is used, where 1 is easy, 2 is average and 3 is uneasy.

The assessment and reporting must take place at least 30 days after calving. This is for the cow to get used to being milked. In addition, udder edema can cause discomfort and make the cow restless when milking. Because of this it is an advantage to wait a few weeks after calving to assess the temperament.

In addition to the fact that temperament is emphasized in the breeding goal, there is an indirect selection for temperament for both cows and bulls. This happens at the individual farms and at the bull stations by slaughtering animals with a bad temper.

Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System

The Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System is run by the national dairy co-operative owned by Norwegian dairy farmers, TINE. It is certified by ICARs Certificate of Quality (International Committee for Animal Recording).

Data is collected from almost all dairy farmers in Norway, and from a whole range of sources.

Read more about the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System here