For sale via Private Treaty:
15 yearling bulls and 25 yearling heifers

Updated information on genetic issues in Angus breed.

A second genetic defect, Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH), has recently been discovered in the Precision 1680 line of cattle.  Based on his research analysis, Dr. Jonathan Beever, University of Illinois, has stated that this defect is the result of homozygosity at a distinct location on a single cattle chromosome; thus confirming that the condition was caused by a recessive mutation.

The good news about this finding is that—similar to Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)—a DNA (genotyping) test can be developed to classify an animal’s “carrier” status for NH.  The not-so-good news is that E&B 1680 Precision 1023 is one of the sires classified as a carrier of the NH defect.

Just like all simple recessive traits, 50% of his progeny have received this defective allele and are therefore “carriers.” The other 50% are free of the recessive allele. CA Future Direction and Twin Valley Precision E161, also Precision 1680 sons, are two other NH carriers that we have used at Dalebanks in past years.

Now what?

For our commercial cow-calf producers who have purchased sons of these carrier sires (1023, Future Direction and E161), we suggest these bulls not be used back on daughters of the same bloodlines.  If sons of carrier sires are used on females from different sire lines (non-carriers), the NH phenotype should never be seen.  A listing of more than 900 AI sires’ status for the NH mutation is listed at http://www.angus.org/NH_Summary.pdf. We have consistently recommended against “line breeding” sire lines, and we still maintain this recommendation of using varied genetic lines in the commercial herd.

Since a genotyping test will soon be commercially available, all “at risk” bulls sold in the future will be genotyped to determine the presence or absence of the NH allele, just like with AM.  Therefore, even if NH or AM carrier daughters are retained in the cowherd, they should not have an NH-affected calf if bred to NH-free bulls in the future.
 
Want more information?

The American Angus Association’s website will continue to have the most accurate, up-to-date information available on these genetic issues.  Visit www.angus.org and links to hydrocephalus information will be available. 

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call Matt or Tom anytime.

We invite you to stop by and view our cattle herd anytime. Just e-mail or give us a call when you are in the area.

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