New recessive gene defect hinders fertility

摘要

Dairy producers are being urged to look carefully at herd bloodlines following the discovery of recessive genes in the population that could be detrimental to fertility. Genomic testing has highlighted five haplotypes or segments of DNA that have beenlinked to reduced fertility. Three have been discovered among Holsteins (HH1, HH2 and HH3), one in Jerseys (JH1) and one in Brown Swiss (BH1). When a cow with one hap-lotype is mated with a bull with the same haplotype, there is the potential for fertility to be affected. Although there is no tangible product or result, the gene combination could cause pregnancy reabsorption or a cow failing to get pregnant or carry to full-term.