Fawn Calf Syndrome
Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly
What is fawn calf syndrome?
*The syndrome effects newborns and their connective tissues in their hind legs.
*CA effects Angus and Angus-derived cattle
*First identified in Victoria, Australia in 1998 through Freestate Barbara 871 of Kaf.
*Listed as category 1 genetic condition.
*Known carriers:
-Rambo 465T of JRS
-Te Mania Kelp K207
-Bon View Bando 598
-SAF 598 Bando 5175
-Boyd on Target 1083
Diganosis in Newborn Calfs
*Both male and female can be affected,
*Diagnosis comes after observing the calf with the following:
-Congenital proximal limb contracture
-Congenital distal limb hyperextension
-Congenital kyphosis (upper arching of the spine)
*Most will see all of the symptoms resolve on their own as the calf grows older.
*Any calves that have been documented for having the syndrome are not allowed to be registered with the Angus Society
Newborn calf with the syndrome
The hind legs are longer than most calves.
Newborn calf with syndrome
The back has a slight arch to it. The legs are elongated.
Older calf with syndrome
By the time the calf is getting older, the signs of the syndrome start to disappear.
*The carrier parent is a normal Angus.
*When breeding a carrier to a carrier:
-25% CA calf
-50% normal carrier
-25% normal non-carrier
*Only can you have a zero percent chance of getting a CA calf by mating a non-carrier bull with a carrier cow.
*Calves that are affected by CA can live to be an adult. Without intervention, about 20% of calves would die that are born with CA.
Why is CA important?
*Calves that do survive end up with joint issues early on and have many health problems.
*CA cause calf wastage in herds.
How can CA be prevented?
*Bring in more bloodlines to prevent inbreeding.
*Test your herd with a DNA test.
*Its thought that less than 5% of Australian Angus cattle are carriers now.
Opinion
Resources
Denholm, Dr. Laurence. "Congenital contracture arachnodactyly ( ' fawn calf syndrome' ) in Angus cattle."Primefacts. NSW Government, May 2010. Web. 2 May 2013. <http://dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/health/specific/cattle/ca-angus.pdf>.
"Fawn Calf Syndrome Update." American Angus Association.American Angus Association, 26 May 2010. Web. 2 May 2013. <http://angus.org/Pub/CA/FC_Notice_052610.pdf>.