Hypotrichosis (HT)
| Obviously a recessive abnormality that displays a permanent absence and/or reduction of hair, hypotrichosis is apparent at birth. This condition is often confused with premature birth. Hair is thin either over the entire body or in distinct places. For example, European Simmental brought “rat-tail” which resulted in greatly reduced hair at the tail switch. Certain lines of Hereford are verified to carry hypotrichosis. Because the ASA has an open herdbook, allowing other breeds into our database and percentage pedigrees, HT 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 (TraitTrac) 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://www.hereford.org/AHA/tabID__3855/tailored.aspx |
| http://redangus.org/node/214 |