FYI!

 

During my investigations of cases of arthrogryposis multiplex (AM) in NSW in July and August 2008 I became aware of a series of stillborn calves amongst the double-bred descendents of GAR Precision 1680 which had a different phenotype to the typical "curly calves". Some of these cases were reported from the same farms as AM cases.

These rather different stillborn calves had pronounced craniomegaly (enlargement of the cranium of the skull), a lesion which is usually associated with hydrocephalus (an increase in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid that is sometimes called "water on the brain"). These "hydro" calves also had other cephalic defects includin g malformation of the jawbones (mandibles and maxillae) with abnormally scattered positioning of the teeth. Several had developmental abnormalities of the eyes, with skin covering the eyes in some cases, absence of properly formed ey elids or absence of the normal palpebral fissure. However, the most obvious sign in all cases was the massive cranial swelling. Many of these "hydro" cases also had obvious arthrogryposis, hence the initial confusion with the more typical AM cases. Several cases were reported to have caused dystokia and it was necessary in some of these cases to cut and drain the fluid swelling on the head in order to get the calf's head through the birth canal.

Similar "hydro" cases have since been reported in North America amongst the double-bred descendents of GAR Precision 1680.

I have today posted copies of photographs of two of these cases on my PhotoBucket site at </ FONT>http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/denholml/Lethal%20Congenital%20Hydrocephalus%20in%20Angus%20calves

When the lists of AI sires that were AMC or AMF were first published by Prof. Beever it was obvious that one of these "hydro" cases in NSW was sired by an AMF bull. More recently cases have been reported in which the sire and the maternal grandsire are the only Precison descendents in the pedigree and both are AMF.

Assuming that both of these phenotypes with arthrogryposis (AM and "hydro") are caused by single gene autosomal recessive mutations, as now seems likely, the most likely explanation for the pedigree observations described above is that the AM and "hydro" phenotypes are caused by different genetic mutations and are hence distinct genetic defects, albeit with both genetic defects carried in the same bloodline through GAR Precision 1680. There may be other possibl e genetic/molecular explanations, but this one seems the most probable at this stage.

Recent cases of the "hydro" syndrome indicate that at least four AMF sons of GAR Precision 1680 are probable carriers of this new defect. At least one well-known and widely used son is likely a carrier of both defects.

This suspected new genetic defect will certainly complicate the clean-up of Precision 1680 bloodlines currently in progress for AM and this clean-up will be difficult until a DNA test for the new defect is available.

I therefore strongly urge all Angus breeders who see cases of this lethal "hydro" syndrome to protect and retain the stillborn calf and send an EDTA tube of heart blood to Prof. Beever as soon as possible. If heart blood cannot be obtained, DNA can usually be obtained from the thymus even when the calf has been dead for a few days. Collect thymus a nd freeze it before sending to Dr Beever. Also please take photographs of the calf and send these and the pedigree to Dr Beever together with the DNA samples. DNA samples from both parents should also be sent to Dr Beever if possible. All cases should of course also be reported to the AAA.

If anyone suspects that they have a case of this "hydro" disorder and would like to discuss the disorder with me in absolute confidence then please do not hesitate to send me an eMail or call my cell phone. The same applies to any other suspected genetic defect in cattle.

LD50

Edited by - TYROINOZ on 01/23/2009 02:37:50

 

January 24, 2009

 

Hello Everyone,

 

I want to welcome all of you who have signed up to receive this e-mail newsletter that tells what is new on the site and what is going on with our ACS Associates.

 

It is 4:00 am this morning when I started this e-mail newsletter and I have typed and changed and typed and changed to try and be civil and not put words down that I will regret so when I get this done I will post the time I sent this news.

 

As my post on the ACS Message Board stated "Here we go again" under the topic of SUSPECT HERITABLE LETHAL CONGENITAL HYDROCEPHALUS there looks like there is another hurdle we all have to go over for those of us who care so much about this Angus breed and the welfare of our programs and our customers.

 

I was amazed at the people who contacted me yesterday who said they had Hydro calves like the ones that are pictured on the Message Board. My first request is to make sure you take pictures and contact Dr. Beever and send in the material to him so he can get us a test for this new looking defect.

 

I for the life of me cannot figure out why we have to get this kind of information from our friends in the Angus breed that are from another country (Australia) who take all the scoff that they are just crying wolf and it has to be just their environment or weather or management and whatever else is said to them just because they don't stick their head in the sand and they care about this breed and other producers in this Angus breed.

 

I tell you all something has got to change about information of this type being held back from AAA members. We need to know who these sires and dams are of these calves even if it said to be suspect only and that a conclusive test is not done yet.

 

Producers, Cattle Associations, and whoever else that is reading this, get together with whomever you need to get together with and let's work together. If a sire and dam are DNA identified of a deformed calf and you have results of more than one or two defective calves, let the membership know so we have the knowledge to decide on whether we want to use the genetics or not. Then when the test is done put out the official results that science says are so. What is so hard about that. I mean come on now, if more than one case is showing up by the same pedigree that should be warning enough.

 

How long has the powers that be known about this problem of hydro calves.

 

And while I am typing about how long has this problem has been known, how long have the breeders of these genetics known about these Hydro calves and not said one thing about it. I tell you people integrity needs to be screaming and deceit needs to be shut down. Look at the harm that is caused by SSS. Is money that important over the good of the breed?

 

I tell you after talking with a good friend last night he said we are going to have to have the AAA come up with another EPD that will be $Test which shows how much a particular animal will cost you to have all the tests done on it depending on the pedigree to see if we can use the animal or not.

 

For those of you who had problems with AM and now what looks like Hydro calves and turned the information in to those who you thought you were suppose to, thank you and good for you. I am just sorry that some of that information has went no where. Please from now on, contact Dr. Beever. I know how hard it is to get a hold of him but leave a message and keep trying.  I understand that his e-mail box is complete full at the university in IL after this last problem of Hydro calf and that he has phone messages up the wazzoo he is trying to get caught back up on but keep with it. He needs the material to get this test done.

 

I know yesterday after I read the news I was very angry and ready fight someone or something because another problem was discovered that just did not show up yesterday and had to have been known or seen before that goes right along with the line of cattle with the  AM problem and I know I said that I Damn this site. I am sorry for that but I am overwhelmed enough around here trying to keep up with ACS, calving, and the feed yard in this one man show let alone when something like this is announced. 

 

However, I just got e-mail after e-mail, call after call telling me how they are so happy for ACS that it is their source for staying in touch with the industry and the amount of talented people who share with all of us is just unbelievable.

 

Well I agree we have some very able and capable posters and I do appreciate everyone that shares. It can get pretty hectic around here on a normal day let alone when something like this breaks. It is hard to get things done in the time you need to get it done. When Ruth got off of work, she helped me finish up the chores in the calving barn so we could eat left over pizza for supper late last night. Bless her heart.

 

You all need to understand how much love and passion I and others have for this breed of cattle and the bonds we have with other fellow breeders and it just makes me mad as can be when a problem like this shows up that goes right along with the same pedigrees that we have with the AM problem and nothing, not one damn thing was said about this Hydro calf problem with this line of cattle. 

 

This is just ridiculous and I know in my heart it has happened for those out there that were line breeding this line of cattle to get even more extreme numbers and carcass and they would have seen it and said nothing. These people in my opinion are not cattle breeders caring for the good of the breed or it's members, these are marketers at best, trying to make money off of other people no matter what. How sad is that.

 

They have for the most part made a lot of this Angus breed a terminal breed only. Thank God there are those who have kept the maternal in their cow herds along with a balance of the other traits (not single trait) that this breed is known for, so we can move forward keeping the cows in the cow herd. 

 

At present, until we have a test for this Hydro defect, even the AMF cattle in this line has the chance to sire or have Hydro calves. How do we sell anything from this line of cattle? We need a test for Hydro calves real fast.

 

For those of you who have not tested your potential carriers for AM you need to get that done to get over that hurdle. That defect is real. Then when you get the test back, quit propagating the carriers it does no one or the breed any good.

 

When the test for the Hydro defect is done test those potential carriers right away and let's get this thing cleaned up.

 

Next, I have heard back from some of you who have used Stockman's Resource Center, LLC, Eddyville, IA. You have found out that there are good people behind this business and you talk to a real person who cares about you and your cattle didn't you.

 

One person told me he would paid double what they charge for the personal service he got from them and folks it is all about being a benefit to you not just making money. Sure they have invested their time and money in offering you a service that gets your results back in a timely fashion. I don't think a lot of you understand just what the time frame is on getting results back from other labs. They are swamped and I understand that if you do more than one type of testing that they will try to move you forward in the line but here it is first come first serve. No motives of if you send in 100 or more it moves your results up faster. Again it is as they come in to them the results are processed. Folks, use these good peoples service. You will be happy you did.

 

Here are words from the folks of Stockman's Resource Center, LLC, Eddyville, IA.

Dear Brian and Fellow Cattlemen,

 Greetings! We just wanted to post an update for everyone interested in the Arthrogryposis Multiplex (Curly Calf) issue.  More tested bulls and cows are being posted on the American Angus website everyday.  The AMF list is growing daily, great news for the Angus breed!  Every bull and cow tested brings us closer to the source of this defect.  It is imperative that everyone, not just Angus breeders, understand the importance of identifying carriers in their herds.  Through identification of carriers, matings can be planned to eliminate AM Affected (dead) calves and reduce the number of carriers in our cattle population.

We have been receiving several questions regarding AM.  We would like to address some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q:  Which of my registered cattle do I need to test or should I just test them all?

A:  You should test any cattle with suspect pedigrees.  Look for GAR Precision 1680 or Rito 9J9 of B156 7T26 or cattle that trace back to the maternal side of the pedigree of Rito 9J9 of B156 7T26.  If there is an AMF animal between your animal and all AMC animals in the pedigree, then your animal should be AMF.  If you need help working through your pedigree, give us a call.

Q:  I don’t have registered cattle, only a commercial herd.  Do I still need to test?

A:  If you are using black bulls of any breed and don’t know the complete pedigree, then you need to test!  Many composite or even registered cattle of other breeds trace back to Angus.  As long as your bulls are AMF, you will not have AM Affected (dead) calves.

Q:  Should I test cattle with suspect pedigrees or sell them and start over?

A:  Many people are being “spooked” by the AM defect.  Of course this is a matter that is totally up to the cattle owner.  However, if you test and the results are AM Free, there is no reason to dispose of that animal.  If it was a good animal before, it is still a good animal.

There is no way we can address all of the questions people have in this blast (Brian won’t let us talk that long).  We can not stress enough the importance of knowing the status of your herd.  You don’t want to find out you should have tested when AM Affected (dead) calves start showing up.  

~   Testing Information  ~

Thank you to all who have called or submitted samples for testing.  We are experiencing some issues getting the “gremlins” out of our website.  We thought things were finally working smoothly, then more “gremlins” were discovered.  We wish we knew as much about website technology as we do about Arthrogryposis Multiplex.   Until this “gremlin” problem is resolved, we suggest you call or email us for order forms. We will promptly send you the forms via email in Excel spreadsheet format.  Or, if you prefer we can fill them out for you over the phone and email you a copy for verification.  Turn around time on test results has been running 6-10 days from when we receive the samples!  While we prefer that you use “GeneSeek” brand cards, we will take cards of other brands. We want to be your provider of AM testing so let us know what we can do to earn your business.  As always, feel free to call if you have any questions.

Stockman’s Resource Center
Curt & Lorie Jager
Dan & Regina Hoy
Office 641-969-4111
Curt’s Cell 641-660-0771
stockmansresource@hotmail.com
www.stockmansresource.com

Thank you for the information Jager's and Hoy's. Again folks go to their web site or give them an call and get your AM testing done. We used them and that is why I am recommending them.

Next, words from Krauth Angus Farm, Prescott, IA

                                                                                      January 19, 2009
 
Hi Brian:
 
            Thought I would add a little bit to your E-MAIL BLAST from last week about the success that we are having with the GDAR Traveler 044 genetics. 

           If anyone out there has any 044 semen they better be using it , because he is a bull when used right will really move a cow herd. The 044 daughters that I have seen have that old traditional Angus look that we used to have in this breed of cattle, that I (we) love so much. The sons and daughters are sharp and stylish and have docile dispositions.
           We are getting a lot of use out of the Big Rok Ole 450 bull reg. no.14771667 that we purchased from Kevin and Denise Olson at Detroit Lakes. Min. a few years ago. This bull has done an exceptional job for us. We also used the Big Rok  Titan 249 bull a lot also. The daughters we have out these two bulls are phenomenal. The Ole daughters have a little more length of spine and the 249’s are just a tad deeper. Both bulls are siring sons that are the pen one type of cattle. However, both bulls are siring calves with more than adequate depth of rib.
           Do you remember how it use to be when you could get one of those rare females every four or five years? Now we are getting four or five of those rare females a year out of Ole 450. His daughters are very stylish with that extra spring of rib and extra muscle. They have that good old Angus look with perfect udders that tie in up front with good center support.
           Brian, do you remember the Ole 450 daughters out the Polly 510 cow up at Kevin's ? They are what I would call rare females that don’t come along very often. There were three or four more Ole 450 daughters that we saw up there that would fit into that mold up there also. You had two or three Ole daughters a couple of years ago especially your 704 cow you talked about in the E-MAIL Blast a week ago. This young cow is precious. We have the 647 daughter out of an average to above average cow that will be a donor some day. along with 617, 649, and four or five other heifers in our 2008 replacement pen.
           It even gets better, we have a son of Ole 450 out of a 14 year old cow that we are going to keep and use our selves. His mother is the VDAR Beauty 5061 reg. no. 12376588 cow that we purchased from Keith Van Dyke seven or eight years ago in a Van Dyke fall female sale. We paid, what to me is a lot of money to spend on a cow or bull for this old Iowegian farm boy.. Boy, was I in trouble, until Chuck Tastad came to my rescue an d told Sandy that she was the best female in the sale. To continue on, this young herd sire prospect is just something you dream about. He is long bod ied , deep ribbed, thick butted, big scrotaled and thick topped, maybe even thicker topped than his sire ( Ole 450)  Another thing about this young rascal is, there is a lot of longevity in the cow side of his pedigree.
           Kevin called one night last winter to tell me he was checking cows and had one calf that was catching his eye, it was an Ole 450 out of sister to Ole’s mother I will never forget his words, Gary,” THIS GAUL DAMNED BULL IS FOR REAL, ISN’T HE.”. I’m not surprised, our 647 cow ( Ole 450 daughter) had an Ole 450 bull calf that sounds like the calf you got out of your 704 Ole daughter. They just get better.
           The Heather Lass 236 cow ( Traveler 044 daughter) up at Kevin's is another rare type of female that doesn’t come along very often. .She is awesome, and just happens to be a full sister to our Big Rok Northern Lad 708 bull. reg. no 15795129.
           Brian your 704 cow ( Ole daughter ) is one of the best females to come along also and I might also mention the set of twins we branded a couple of years ago who were also Ole daughters. Kevin has a flush of Ole daughters that looked pretty darn good. I guess I’m not the sharpest tack in the box, but , these rare type calves are showing up in an Iowa environment and in the tundra of Minnesota. I’m not trying to sell semen on Big Rok Ole 450 or Big Rok Northern Lad 708 or any of the rest of the 044 sons that we have used. I do know though the 708 bull is standing in the wings waiting to make his move too. 

           It was three years ago I made a comment about  a cow I saw up at Kevins, and it was the Heather Lass 236 cow, ( an 044 daughter ) she was then, and still is to this day, one of the best traditionally looking Angus cows you will ever look at. Again, the 236 cow is a full sister to Big Rok Northern Lad 708.
        
        The fact remains that all of the sons we have used, of GDAR Traveler 044, have done a nice job and that’s why I’m so high on Traveler 044. I have read threads on the ACS message board wondering what bulls out there, that different people have seen progeny out of , are working and adding muscle and still maintaining the maternal. If they have use it, make your own herd sire and if not buy a son, and if you want semen out of a son of 044, give Kevin, Bri an, or me a call. W e will help you out the best we can and will tell you how to get the biggest bang for your buck

         Brian, I don’t know why these 044 genetics are working like this, all I know is it is working. One other thing before I close, have the folks out there check Kevin's 2008 sale bulls. There is a Big Rok Ole son leading the pack by a 100 lbs. On a 6 frame chassy. That’s all I have to say.
 
                                                                                                Sincerely
                                                                                                                 Gary Krauth

Thanks for sharing what has worked for you Gary. Folks here is one of those herds I was talking about that has paid attention to the maternal traits and kept the cows in his cow herd. There is no doubt about it, these 044 sons have made an impact in the Kruath Angus cow herd. Like I said last week, I know how much power the Ole calves have and I am for sure impressed with Northern Lad's first calves so far. 

We put more listings on the Semen pages this week on the ACS Classifieds. Check them out. Sales continue to be very active for us.

 

As mentioned I will put the time on when I am closing this down to send out. It is 6:35 am and I got to get outside but I got across what I wanted to share and folks, let's all do the right thing. If ever there is a problem in your herds with a defect in the line of cattle that are potential AM, get it reported to the right place. Don't hide it, it does you or anyone no good.

 

Well that is it for this week.

 

Stay safe and have a great weekend.  

 

Brian Weaver
Advantage Cattle Services     www.advantagecattle.com
E-mail    twinoaks@fmctc.com