THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CALF RECUMBENCY 4

What is it?

Calf recumbency is a new genetic defect in Holstein cattle discovered by researchers at Penn State University and USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. At this time in the discovery process, researchers believe that the condition is caused by a mutation in the gene that helps develop calcium channels in skeletal muscle. The mutation slows the flow of calcium into muscle cells during muscle contraction.

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What does it look like?

Affected calves are unable to stand but otherwise appear healthy.

What sires are affected?

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, Holstein Association USA, Inc., and the National Association of Animal Breeders are working to establish a national database to access test results for A.I. sires. Since the announcement, Select Sires has been aggressively testing all sires. Results for Select Sires bulls can be found by scanning the QR code.

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What are my options to manage it?

Select Sires has the tools and expertise to help manage the impact of calf recumbency without sacrificing genetic progress or backing away from your herd improvement goals.

In early May, Select Sires announced that calf recumbency test results have been incorporated into the Select Mating Service ® (SMS ®) program for sires in the Select Sires lineups. Other bulls will be added as results become available.

Genetic conditions of economic loss are not new to our industry. Reacting to this new condition in a responsible way will provide superior genetic advancement while minimizing the long-term economic effects.

Public testing is readily available with Genetic Visions, Feanix Bio and Neogen and more labs will soon also perform this service. Holstein breeders should consider testing their most valuable females for this condition. If females are not tested, making strategic decisions about all matings based on known sire pedigree stacks will provide another level of safeguards. These methods will allow the use of carrier sires that have extreme economic values, like those ranking high for the Herd Health Profit Dollars ™ (HHP$ ™) index, to drive more dollars into your genetic portfolio. u