Related Experiment Videos
[Case report: Syndactyly in German Holstein calves]
C Bähr1, C Drögemüller, O Distl
1Institut für Tierzucht und Vererbungsforschung der Tierärztliche Hochschule, Hannover. ottmar.distl@tiho-hannover.de
DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
|January 15, 2005
Summary
Syndactyly, a congenital limb defect, was identified in German Holstein calves. Genetic analysis revealed a common ancestor carrying the mulefoot gene, indicating a monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Genetics
- Animal Breeding
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Syndactyly is a congenital anomaly affecting limb development in various animal species.
- German Holstein cattle are a significant breed in global dairy production.
- Understanding genetic defects is crucial for herd management and genetic improvement.
Observation:
- Eight black and white German Holstein calves exhibited syndactyly between 1995 and 2002.
- The condition affected one to all four feet with varying severity.
- Affected calves originated from different farms, suggesting a potential genetic link.
Findings:
- Pedigree analysis traced all affected calves to a single common ancestor.
- This ancestor was previously identified as a carrier for the mulefoot gene.
- The inheritance pattern is consistent with monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance with variable expressivity.
Implications:
- Identifies a specific genetic cause for syndactyly in German Holstein cattle.
- Highlights the importance of genetic screening for the mulefoot gene in breeding programs.
- Provides insights into the genetic basis and expression of limb malformations in livestock.