UNUSUAL CALVES REPORTED FROM CONNEALY ALL AROUNDMay 4, 2009
Dr. Jonathan Beever
of the University of Illinois has made us aware of two unusual calves that
appear to be affected by the condition commonly known as Fawn Calf Syndrome
(FCS). These calves have been parent verified to be sired by 29AN1693 Connealy
ALL AROUND (15490811).
FCS is still being
researched but indications from that research are that it is inherited as
a simple recessive trait. Unlike AM and NH, this condition is not necessarily
lethal. However, severely affected calves in extensive management conditions
may have difficulties initially nursing without assistance and may be prone
to mortality. This condition was first identified and investigated in Australia
and research there indicates that the condition traces through the common
ancestor Bon View Bando 598 to Premier Independence, the sire of his grandam,
and possibly back to the dam of Independence.
Classification of the defect, breed association
policies and a DNA test are all still under development at this time. ALL AROUND
semen will be available only by special request through the ABS Beef Department.
ABS routinely investigates any abnormal calves
reported to us that appear to be genetic in nature utilizing resources like
Dr. David Steffen at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Beever and the respective
breed association. Our policy has been and continues to be to label any bull
that has been determined to be a carrier of a deleterious gene through either
approved DNA testing or the identification of two or more calves that have
been parent verified and confirmed through pathology to be affected by a known
genetic defect. To date, we have had no other potential FCS calves reported
to us by any other ABS sires.
When more is known about this condition and
suspect pedigrees, ABS will communicate that information to our Representatives
and customers. We encourage you to report any unusual calves to ABS, the respective
breed association and to Drs. Beever or Steffen as referenced below on February
11th. They will assist and coordinate getting samples distributed appropriately
for complete investigation.
This link contains
information from the American Angus Association and a request for suspect
calves to be submitted.
Fawn Calf Syndrome
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