An autosomal centric fusion translocation in the Red Poll breed in Australia

The karyotype 2n = 59,XY,t:1/29 was found in two pure bred Red Poll bulls originating from stock imported from Britain. Orthodox stained and G-banded karyotypes of the condition in this breed are presented for the first time. Non-return rates for one bull suggest no impairment of fertility when selected for artificial insemination. However, in a related herd infertility has become a serious problem. It is suggested that selection pressure does not operate to eliminate the translocation and that caution should be exercised in the use of animals.