Joint Animal Behavior and Well-Being and Breeding and Genetics Symposium: Genomics of Dairy Cattle Behavior and Well-Being
This symposium will explore how genetic selection and modern genomics are reshaping our understanding of dairy cattle behavior, and how this knowledge can be used to improve dry matter intake, health, and overall productivity, with an emphasis on milk components (fat and protein). Behavioral traits such as temperament, feeding, resting, walking, estrus expression, cow-robot interaction, cow-human interaction, and adaptability play a critical role in cow well-being, labor efficiency, and sustainability. Historically, these traits were difficult to measure and, therefore, challenging to incorporate into breeding programs. Today, advances in genomic prediction, multi-omics data, sensor-based phenotyping, and machine learning allow researchers and producers to link DNA to behavior and select cows that are both high performing and easy to manage. This symposium will feature leading experts covering
- the evolution of genetic evaluations and national selection indices,
- behavioral trait mapping for genomic prediction,
- the genetic architecture of complex behaviors using multi-omics, and
- the integration of genomic data with real-time behavioral phenotypes.
A producer and artificial insemination–industry panel will conclude the program, offering practical insights into how behavioral genomics guides bull selection, mating programs, herd-level management, and preventive health strategies. This discussion will highlight how proactive selection for behavioral traits can reduce stress, improve intake, and support healthier, more productive cows. This symposium is designed for academics, students, government professionals, consultants, and nutritionists seeking to understand how genetics can simultaneously advance cow well-being, disease prevention, productivity, and sustainability, while aligning with the evolving needs of modern dairy systems.
| Speaker, Affiliation |
Presentation Title |
| Jennifer Van Os, University of Wisconsin–Madison |
From welfare science to practical phenotypes: Guiding dairy genetic improvement |
| Luiz Fernando Brito, Purdue University |
Genomics of dairy cattle behavior: Opportunities for optimizing dairy cattle breeding programs in the phenomics era |
| Natascha Vukasinovic, Zoetis |
Transforming dairy cattle wellness through genomic selection |
| Joseph Deeb, STgenetics |
Genomic selection meets sensor data |
| Greg Bethard and Fernando Di Croce, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy; Zoetis |
Discussion panel: Phenotypes in action—Applying genomics on the dairy farm |