Genetic parameters for abnormal sucking traits in Austrian Fleckvieh heifers.

Cross-sucking and intersucking are considered abnormal behaviours in cattle and constitute a common problem in dairy farming. Cross-sucking in calves is defined as sucking any body parts of another calf whereas intersucking in heifers and cows is defined as sucking the udder or udder area. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability for abnormal sucking behaviour by estimating genetic parameters and examining individual differences between sires with large progeny groups.