HYDROCEPHALUS UPDATEApril 13, 2009
Following is an
update from the American Angus Association and Dr. Jonathan Beever in regard
to the severe form of Hydrocephalus that has been observed in some of the
same bloodlines that were affected by Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM). Dr.
Beever has been able to identify a causative recessive mutation for Neuropathic
Hydrocephalus (NH) and develop a DNA diagnostic test that will accurately
classify animals relative to the defect.
As with AM, semen supplied by the A.I. studs
was used as part of the validation process in developing the test. Dr. Beever
is providing a pre-commercialization release of these results back to the studs
and to the American Angus Association. These results provide the status of
the bulls tested and give the industry a dramatically better and more precise
risk assessment than has been possible through pedigree analysis alone.
We thank Drs. Beever and Steffen for their efforts
in identifying this defect and providing a diagnostic test that can be helpful
this breeding season.
For a complete list of industry sires, visit
the American Angus Association website.
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