A note regarding genetic recessives. Once the mapping of the entire bovine genome was completed a few years ago, identifying & subsequent testing for several genetic recessives has become more readily available in many breeds. While Angus has received the most attention due to the shear size of the data base, nearly all major breeds have identified some & the openness of their approach has varied by breed as well as breeder. Highview Angus Ranch has been very aggressive & open in our approach to genetic defects. With considerable effort & expense the entire Registered Cow Herd & any cattle offered for sale by Highview Angus Ranch are free by pedigree or DNA test of AM, NH, CA, M1, D2, DD, and now OH. We did this as soon as the status & subsequent tests became available & have not wavered in our pursuit to offer problem free cattle. Unfortunately, not all Seed-Stock Suppliers share our view.
The recessive status & most recent EPD’s of any Registered Angus can be simply checked at www.Angus.org by putting in the Registration number in the “Animal Search Box” located in the upper left hand corner of the home page. If tested themselves cattle will have a designation of either F (free) ie AMF, NHF, CAF, M1F, D2F, DDF, or HHF or C (carrier) with such designations as AMC, NHC, CAC, M1C, D2C, DDC, or OHC after or just under their Registration number. If they are untested and have no potential by pedigree, there will be no designation or listing of such. Rest assured that all Highview Angus Ranch bulls sold after these recessives (AM, NH , CA,M1, D2, DD, or OH ) were known, have NO POTENTIAL TO CARRY THESE RECESSIVE DEFECTS as they are either free by Pedigree or they or their ancestors have been DNA tested free.
Unfortunately there continues to be cattle marketed by less progressive breeders that are Untested “Potential” Carriers. If you are considering bulls from other breeds and/or breeders we recommend you question their approach to recessive defects. In the case of Registered Angus we highly recommend that you go to www.Angus.org & put the animals Registration number in the “Animal Search Box” located in the upper left hand corner of the home page. Then watch for the “P” for Potential designation as in AMP,NHP, CAP, M1P, D2P, DDP,or OHP. If there are “potential” untested animals watch for this paragraph on the reverse side of the registration paper identifying “Untested Potential Carriers” “This animal has one or more ancestors known to carry a mutation that can result in calves with a genetic defect known as Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM), or Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH), or Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) or Myostatin Double Muscling Strain (M1), or PRKG2 gene mutation for dwarfism (D2) or Developmental Duplication (DD), or Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH) will be added. The American Angus Association recommends DNA testing at an approved laboratory to confirm the absence or presence of the mutation.” If this paragraph is present the cattle have not been tested & should be. If the paragraph is present & they were/are being sold AFTER the recessive was known AND the test available (11/15/08 for AM, 6/12/09 for NH, 10/5/10 for CA, 7/1/11 for M1, 8/29/11 for D2, 9/12/2013 for DD & 11/2/2015 for OH) the breeder was/is likely trying to hide something. Insist on free by pedigree or DNA test for all your bull needs. —Jeff