Hydrocephalus was first described by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. NH is documented in many mammal species including humans and cattle.  Typically apparent at birth and usually lethal in calves, large, fluid-filled, misshaped heads are the result of this mutation.  Hydrocephalus is mentioned as being observed in Simmental, but no cases are documented in our database.  Recently, the American Angus Association verified the presence of NH in a very popular genetic line.

Because the ASA has an open herdbook, allowing other breeds into our database and percentage pedigrees, NH could be a risk in certain cattle.  We strongly suggest using ASA’s website Animal Search function to access the most up-to-date genetic abnormality-status for each animal in our database.

 

Reporting Abnormal Calves: Call ASA immediately. ASA will reimburse all expenses. Take photos or video that best display the abnormality. We will need DNA (hair or tissue) from the calf, dam and sire. (We have DNA on all A.I. sires and donor dams.) If the calf is dead, chill the carcass until ASA has been contacted.