Study of Association between Hair Whorls Pattern, Sex and Temperament in Gir Calves

Abstract

Temperament significantly influences the productivity, welfare, and handling of cattle. This study investigates the relationship between temperament and hair whorl characteristics in Gir calves, focusing on sex-specific behavioral differences. A total of 14 Gir calves (7 males, 7 females) were monitored over 90 days. Temperament was assessed using chute score and flight speed, and hair whorl position and direction were recorded. Results indicated that male calves exhibited lower chute and flight scores, reflecting calmer behavior. In contrast, most female calves showed higher temperament scores. Hair whorl analysis revealed a strong association: male calves predominantly had high and clockwise whorls indicators of agitation while female calves had middle and anti-clockwise whorls associated with calmer temperaments. These findings support the use of hair whorl patterns as early indicators of temperament in Gir calves and suggest that sex plays a significant role in behavioral responses but it’s direction on fore head alone may not reliably predict temperament in Gir calves and therefore need to include flight speed and crush or chute score for assessment of temperament and behavior of calf.