Genetic Defects

On this page:

Registering Calves

Geneprob Herd Analysis

Genetic Defect Policy

Reporting an Abnormal Calf

Click here to download a printable information sheet on genetic defects

The Canadian Angus Association monitors the following genetic defects:

1. Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) (Curly Calf Syndrome)
2. Double Muscling (DM)
3. Dwarfism (DW)
4. Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) (Fawn Calf Syndrome)
5. Heterochromia Irides (HI) (White Eye)
6. Hypotrichosis (HY)
7. Mannosidosis (MA)
8. Neuropathic Hydrocephalous (NH)
9. Osteopetrosis (OS)
10. Protoporphyria (PR)
11. Pulmonary Hypoplasia (PH)
12. Syndactyly (SN)
13. Tibial Hemimelia (TH)

Click on each defect for more information and a list of confirmed carrier animals.

To maintain Angus breed integrity in Canada and to assist our members with their mating decisions, the Canadian Angus Association identifies animals that have been tested for genetic defects and reports the subsequent results of this testing. It is good ethical practice to disclose full pedigree information to potential buyers of an animal. Test results are printed on registration certificates and we encourage breeders to report all carriers in sale catalogues.

Registering Calves

If you received an RFI (request for information) about registering a calf that has a confirmed carrier of a genetic defect in the first two generations of its pedigree and would like to proceed with the registration, please complete the Genetic Defect Test Request Form and return it to the office. The lab accepts either hair or semen samples. The tests cost $22 each. If there is a known carrier of a genetic defect in the first two generations of a calf’s pedigree it must test free for that gene unless there is an intervening free test in a generation between.

If you would like to abandon this registration please notify the registry department by indicating so on your RFI and returning it to the office.

Please read further or contact Kajal for more information on genetic defects.

Geneprob Herd Analysis

The Canadian Angus Association can provide members with herd analysis reports that identify the probability of your animals carrying the genes for AM, NH, OS, MA and  CA. The fee for a report is $15 if the report is provided electronically and $25 if a printed report is produced and mailed. Click here for more information on Geneprob reports.

Genetic Defect Policy

Calves that have known carriers of a genetic defect in the first two generations (parental and grandparental) of their pedigree, without an intervening free result, will need to be tested for the causative gene to be eligible for registration.

Calves born on or after January 1 of the year after a Canadian Angus Association-approved test becomes commercially available must be tested free of the causative gene to be eligible for registration.

The Association will maintain a list of known carrier animals and animals that test free of causative genes for monitored defects on the Association website.

The Association will send an email notification to all members with registered animals (purebred breeders) summarizing the information on any new developments on genetic defects, newly available tests, and the genetic defect policy affecting the members. The notification will refer members to the Association website.

Members are required to submit genetic defect test results to the Association within 30 days of the test result being reported to them. Failure to comply may subject the member to disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion.

Reporting an Abnormal Calf

Members of the Canadian Angus Association are required to report abnormalities in their herds. If an abnormality is observed:

1. Complete and submit a Calf Abnormality Report to the Canadian Angus Association office.

2. Collect DNA samples (hair from calf, dam and sire) to keep on record for future reference.

3. Verify parentage (DNA) of abnormal calf to both sire and dam.

4. Collect photographs for future reference.

5. Conduct a pedigree search for common ancestors.

6. Complete a veterinary inspection, DNA analysis and/or pathology exam if required.

If you have any questions about genetic defects, please email or call Kajal Devani at 1-888-571-3580.