Like most other genetic abnormalities, a single pair of genes control this epilepsy. First apparent in calves, environmental stresses such as thermal or physical e.g. stressful handling, etc. often bring out the seizures. Hereford has made the most effort to identify carriers. Since the 1960s and 70s featured very large numbers of Simmental bulls mated to Hereford cows in up breeding programs, IE is possible from pedigrees tracing to either Hereford or “commercial” cows.
Because the ASA has an open herdbook, allowing other breeds into our database and percentage pedigrees, IE 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.
| Useful Links:
www.omia.angis.org.au/ | www.hereford.org
|
|
