Angus genetic defects

[tonhou]

I came across this in our local farming paper & wondered if any of these have relevance to the Dexter world - has there ever been any occurrences in Dexters of these or is there a possibility of them 'jumping across'? Called AM (Arthrogryposis Multiplex), NH (Neuropathic Hydrocephaly) and CA (Congenital contractural arachnodactyly) . . . .

Angus genetic defects

--Tony

[Deleted]

Some will test and others will not.

Tis the way we humans are

[marion]

What do you mean, "jumping across"? Reading the Angus article, it sounds like they have a big problem that many breeders are unwilling to deal with. I think we have enough on our plate with PHA. Now that things have 'settled out' there are the breeders who tested and eliminated carrier animals, and those who think it can be 'managed'. There have been for sale ads recently for PHA carriers. Presumably, those sellers will tell the buyer (who may be a newby), that it's ok as long as a carrier is mated to a non-carrier. This will mean that PHA will be in the breed forever multiplying..
I see cows on the Canadian pedigree site that have recently changed hands, that are close descendants of tested PHA carrier or potential carrier animals. I would like to think that those animals were tested PHA free before sale...

[tarsallat]

Only one use for a PHA carrier, meat. Unless it has genetics that can never be replaced. There is always another better animal without PHA around the corner. Why sell your culls onto another unsuspecting new owner? Angus have big problems, lots of genetic problems, some breeders will deal with it and clean out their lines of the defects, others wear blinkers.
Haven't yet heard of any of their genetic problems in Dexters.

[Deleted]

I see where it's coming from.

Don't forget many countries have a grade up program which has angus as foundation stock.

So on reading this I am now wondering if any of the angus genetic 'defaults' may be underlying in some dexter lines, they are recessive genes afterall.

So to be pro-active about this information instead of re-active, it's worth a closer look with enquiries to the testing labs.

[legendrockranch]

OMG, they use that word that puts some on this forum into a tizzy "is a lethal genetic defect that is inherited as a simple recessive."

Barb

[Deleted]

Jul 16, 2013 16:13:13 GMT -5 legendrockranch said:

OMG, they use that word that puts some on this forum into a tizzy "is a lethal genetic defect that is inherited as a simple recessive."

Barb

Yes Barb they did and I chose to ignore the phrase as I am one that gets in a little tizzy over it *LOL*

Hey what can you do but go with the flow

[carragheendexters]

Hi Donna,
you can get your bred up cattle tested at Uni of Qld for these defects if you want, they test for all of these.
regards Louise

[Deleted]

Thanks Louise.

I have enquired there and at UCD (prices will be the influencial factor)

Thank goodness there is only the one line

[lakeportfarms]

You know Barb, there is a bit of difference between the average Angus owner/breeder and the average Dexter owner/breeder. The word may not faze somebody who has done their research or have had significant experience with livestock, but on the whole I'll bet you hear a lot more of the positive attributes of the Angus breed than on the negative aspects. That's not always the case with potential Dexter owners, who tend to be small homesteaders. Some Dexter breeders however, seem to be bent on using the language as a marketing tactic, which hurts the breed as a whole. What percentage of Dexter breeders have a herd of more than 20 or make a living on them? What percentage of Angus breeders have a herd of more than 20 or make a living on them?

No, I'm not in a tizzy, I just don't get why people do this...

[legendrockranch]

Jul 16, 2013 20:38:19 GMT -5 lakeportfarms said:

Some Dexter breeders however, seem to be bent on using the language as a marketing tactic,

What an interesting comment, a "marketing tactic". I see it in reverse a "marketing tactic" used to sell animals that are carriers.
The phrase is commonly used to reflect anything that is a carrier of a "------" genetic defect, not just cattle.
What hurts the breed are sellers of carriers that don't test and sell their stock to unsuspecting buyers. That is the only reason I have been adamant about mandatory testing.

Barb

[Deleted]

Hi Genebo

I have sent an email to UCD asking about this and referencing the link to the article but this was in my afternoon which is evening night for UCD.

I hope to have a response sometime this morning, at worse tomorrow morning if they are busy.
Will let you know how I go.

PS: They are still working on the purity research but they havent made any progress which can be reported for our boys as yet

[carragheendexters]

HiGenebo,
if you look at their website as to what they offer in cattle testing, no they don't. The only genetic defect testing they do is PHA, chondro and freemartinism. Other than that they only do colouring, (including dexter dun and charolais) Dna and PVing, and mitochiondrial. Oh, also polling.
They do a myriad of dog genetic defect testing, not much of other species.
regards Louise

[jamboru]

They do A2 also

[carragheendexters]

OOOPS! Forgot about that one. It didn't even cross my mind, maybe that's because I don't hold too much importance about A2 testing, but then Fran you already know that! :-)
regards Louise