The carrier bull
implicated by
the American
Angus
Association is G
A R Precision
1680, Angus
registration
number
11520398.
Nearly 100% of
the calves
reported trace
to "1680" on
both sides of
the pedigree.
G A R Precision
1680 was born in
1990 and was in
a major bull
stud. His
influence is
widespread in
the Angus breed
with a large
number of
descendants in
bull studs or in
embryo
transplant.
There is
potential that
1680's
ancestors,
either on his
dam or sire's
side could be
identified as
carriers in the
future.
There is
likelihood that
a DNA test will
be developed,
targeted at the
mutation, that
can be used to
identify carrier
animals. We'll
keep you posted
on the progress
of that research
and test
availability.
In the meantime,
I would
encourage our
breeders
producing
Balancer cattle
with black Angus
genetics to
access their
pedigree risk
and make matings
accordingly.
This is
especially true
in the case of
producing "F2"
or higher
generation
Balancers or
Balancer cattle
with a higher
percentage
Angus.
It goes without
saying that if
you have
Balancer cattle
that have
produced a dead
calf with
symptoms like
the cattle
described in the
Angus documents
you should
report that to
me or
Susan Willmon.
This case also
serves as a
reminder that
cattle breeds
are best served
by breeders
being up front
about reporting
abnormalities to
their
association.
Accurate
identification
and proper
sampling can
lead to DNA
tests that
readily help a
breed eliminate
problems.
If you have
questions do not
hesitate to
contact the AGA.
