Osteopetrosis (OP) aka marble bone

Another of the simple recessive abnormalities, the affected calves are either born dead or die within 24 hours.  Often calves are born premature and with an obvious short lower jaw.  Bones are brittle.  OP has been verified in many species including humans.  Recently, some Red Angus pedigrees have been confirmed to carry osteopetrosis. Because the ASA has an open herdbook, allowing other breeds into our database and percentage pedigrees, OP 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.  Some useful links:   http://redangus.org/node/215 http://www.osteopetrosis.org/