09/24/08 Angus Association investigating "Curly Calf Syndrome"

Washington Ag September 24, 2008 The American Angus Association has posted a notice on its website (www.angus.org) requesting the assistance of its members and users of Angus genetics in obtaining reports of any abnormal calves believed to fit the description of what is currently described as "Curly Calf Syndrome". Association CEO Bryce Schumann says so far they have received reports of 48 calves previously born dead with bent and twisted spines. They've turned accompanying photographs and tissue and blood samples over to University of Illinois molecular geneticist Dr. Jon Beever. Schumann: "The technology that we are trying to develop is a functional test where you can test animals in this pedigree line and then find out those that are clean, that you can move forward with. Through that process we will identify those animals that could pose problems from a recessive trait standpoint." Using pedigree data 47 of the 48 deformed calves were traced back to GAR Precision 1680 from Gardiner Angus Ranch in Ashland, Kansas, Shumann says the ranch is cooperating in trying to solve the genetic mystery. I'm Bob Hoff.