IGENITY® — Curly Calf
What is Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)?
What breeds are affected?
How do I prevent AM?
Which cattle should I test?
What if I am unsure of an animal's pedigree or its likelihood of being a carrier?
Can I get the IGENITY profile with AM?
| Q: |
What is Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)? back to top |
| A: |
Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM), commonly known
as Curly Calf Syndrome, is a genetic defect with
a simple recessive pattern of inheritance. This
means cattle can be carriers of the defect and
appear normal. Two carriers must be mated to get
an AM calf, which is born dead with a spine that is
bent or twisted. |
| Q: |
What breeds are affected? back to top |
| A: |
Primarily Angus, but any animal or breed that has
been influenced by Angus can be affected, such
as Limflex, Sim-Angus, Brangus, Balancers or
commercial cattle. |
| Q: |
How do I prevent AM? back to top |
| A: |
Since AM appears to be a simple recessive
condition, 25% of calves from matings of two AM
carrier parents can be born with the condition.
Therefore, AM carriers should not be bred to
other carriers. AM carriers are normal in every
other respect, and AM calves can be prevented
by mating carriers with noncarriers. Half of an
AM carrier's offspring also will be carriers, which
means this is a genetic disease that may need to
be managed over several generations. |
| Q: |
Which cattle should I test? back to top |
| A: |
You only need to test animals of unknown
pedigree if you would like to mate them to a
known AM carrier or an animal of unknown
AM status. Using AM-free sires on cows with
unknown AM status will prevent AM calves, but
not AM carriers.
|
| Q: |
What if I am unsure of an animal's pedigree or its likelihood of being a carrier? back to top |
| A: |
You only need to test animals of unknown
pedigree if you would like to mate them to a
known AM carrier or an animal of unknown
AM status. Using AM-free sires on cows with
unknown AM status will prevent AM calves, but
not AM carriers.
|
| Q: |
Can I get the IGENITY profile with AM? back to top |
| A: |
Yes. Simply indicate which samples need both
the IGENITY profile and AM test on the order
form from IGENITY.
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For further information about the IGENITY Profiling service please call 0845 603 8895
or alternatively email igenity@cscuk.co.uk.
To order an IGENITY Profiling kit, please click here
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