Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH) is a lethal genetic condition caused by a recessive mutation that affects
Angus and Angus-influenced cattle. Affected calves
are born dead with an extremely large cranium with
little or no brain material or spinal cord. It is
probable that a large percentage of mortalities
relating to NH occur through embryonic or fetal loss
during gestation, which causes the defect to go
misdiagnosed or unnoticed.
The genetic condition has been traced back to GAR
Precision 1680, a highly influential Angus sire.1
The Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) mutation has been
traced back to this animal as well.
A diagnostic test for NH developed by Dr. Jon
Beever at the University of Illinois, in
collaboration with Dr. David Steffen at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the American
Angus Association, is now available commercially
through Pfizer Animal Genetics. For more information
about NH and the importance of testing suspect
animals, please download our brochure.
NH Information Sheet
Testing for NH
Testing of suspect animals is essential to avoid
the negative impact of NH and slow proliferation of
the recessive gene.
Samples for testing may be submitted in one of
the following forms:
- Hair follicles. When sending
hair samples, please make sure at least 25
follicles (bulb intact) are included to ensure
an adequate volume of DNA to complete the test.
- Blood FTA®cards.
- Semen samples.
- Whole blood samples in purple-topped
tubes
1 Beever J. An Update on Neuropathic
Hydrocephalus in Cattle. American Angus Association.
Available at:
http://www.angus.org/NH_Summary.pdf. Accessed
June 8, 2009.
American Angus Association (AAA) Homepage
http://www.angus.org/
AAA Updates and Information on NH
http://www.angus.org/nh_info.html
AAA Genetic Defect Policy
http://www.angus.org/PolicyandRelatedRules.pdf
Canadian Angus Association
http://www.cdnangus.ca/main_page.htm
Angus Society of Australia
http://www.angusaustralia.com.au/
Angus Australia Genetic Defect Information
http://www.angusaustralia.com.au/Genetic_Home.htm
New Zealand Angus Association
http://www.nzangus.co.nz/