Genetics & Defects

Latest Updates

August 10th 2010:

Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) — formally known as: Fawn Calf Syndrome.

Dr Jonathan Beever of Illinois State University in the USA has been working for sometime to identify the mutation that causes the genetic defect Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) in some Angus cattle.

Recently he was successful and has now developed a DNA test to identify the carriers of Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) in the breed. At present Australia and New Zealand Associations are assisting him with blood samples from their countries to validate this test so it can be released for commercial use to give breeders the means to eliminate carriers.

This test for genetic defects along with AM and NH will be available through our DNA service provider PBBnz and the Massey Equine Laboratory at Massey University. Further information will be posted to our website as it becomes available.

Update on Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA), July 26, 2010, submitted by Jonathan Beever, PhD University of Illinois.

Click for PDF document: Contractural Arachnodactyly

Previous Notices

Important notice regarding ‘Genetic Defects’

Please read.

The Angus New Zealand (AngusNZ) Board took an initial stance of restricting future registration of AM (Arthrogryposis Multiplex) and NH (Neuropathic Hydrocephalus) positive carrier animals assuming that it was desirable to eliminate the conditions as soon as possible.

Subsequently, and complicated by the considerably more prevalent NH defect, it has been questioned whether this was an over-reaction in light of the low incidence and significance of the defect/s compared to existing physical and environmental challenges, plus the fiscal and emotional consequence - both individually and collectively.

After consideration, the Board now believes that facilitating the management of recessive genetic conditions by providing current and transparent individual status information on animals (rather than mandating the culling of them) is the more responsible way forward.  With this information it is possible for members to effectively manage the defects as their conditions and circumstances dictate, and at a pace that is individually achievable.

Therefore (and in knowledge of the fact that additional recessive defect tests will shortly become available) we have rescinded prior regulations regarding genetic defects, and replaced with the following;

Regulation Update:

1. Only those progeny derived from sires carrying an AMF/AMFU and NHF/NHFU status will be eligible for registration for;

(i) AM progeny born on or after 1st January 2010

(ii) For NH progeny born on or after 1st January 2011

2. Only animals that are AMF, AMFU, NHF and NHFU can be sold with transfer.

3. No clones of animals identified as carriers of AM/NH shall be eligible for registration.

4. Only the results from AngusNZ approved labs will be recognized.  

5. AngusNZ will review these regulations from time to time as new information becomes available.

Please ring the office if you have any concerns over AM & NH.

AND remember: 

NO SIRE DNA - NO REGISTRATION.

Will MacFarlane.
President
Angus New Zealand.