Bovine beta-mannosidosis: pathologic and genetic findings in Salers calves

beta-mannosidosis is a recently recognized lysosomal storage disease in newborn Salers calves. Fourteen calves with beta-mannosidase deficiency were examined. Twelve calves were from routine laboratory submissions, and two calves were the result of a breeding trial. Salers calves with beta-mannosidase deficiency were of normal gestational weight, 36 +/- 6 kg, but were affected at birth. The head was moderately domed, and there was mild superior brachygnathism. The calves were recumbent and had a head tremor. There was bilateral renal enlargement, severe hypomyelination in the brain and variable thyroid gland enlargement. Severe cytoplasmic vacuolation was present within neurons, tubule epithelial cells, follicular cells and macrophages of the nervous, renal, thyroid and lymphoid tissues, respectively. Pedigree analysis and breeding trial results were consistent with an autosomal recessive disease. An initial biochemical survey of 1,494 Salers cattle indicated a carrier frequency of 23%.