From the ADCA website (
www.dextercattle.org) - Handbook for New Members
(probably more than you wanted to know):
Chondrodysplasia: Dexter Cattle can carry a genetic mutation called Chondrodysplasia. This mutation causes defective bone growth which results in short legged, heavy bodied animals. Although this short legged animal is very appealing with its small stature, the gene can be lethal. If two carrier animals mate, the statistics indicate that one in four calves would be a
“bulldog” calf – grossly deformed and born dead. Statistically, one in four would be a noncarrier, and two in four would be carriers. In order to be better informed so that a breeder can establish successful breeding practices, it is recommended that animals – especially the shorter legged animals – be tested for chondrodysplasia. A well‐informed breeder can then make appropriate choices in sire and dam in order to avoid calf loss due to this particular gene. If only one of the two is a carrier, then the
bulldog calf will not occur. There will be a fifty‐fifty chance of producing carrier calves if one or the other parent is a carrier. If neither is a carrier, then the problem is eliminated entirely.
PHA (Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca): Pulmonary Hypoplasia indicates incomplete formation of the lungs. Anasarca indicates an accumulation of fluids in tissues and body cavities. PHA‐affected calves are either aborted or stillborn. Because of the anasarca, the PHA calf may be tremendously swollen which would make delivery exceedingly difficult and potentially life threatening for the cow. The PHA affected calf occurs when the PHA gene is
inherited from both the sire and the dam. If only one of the parents carry the gene, the calf will appear normal, but can carry the PHA gene. The statistics are similar to the chondrodysplasia carriers. When both parents are PHA carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance of a PHA (dead) calf; a 1 in 4 chance of a non PHA carrier; and a 2 in 4 chance of producing PHA carrier calves. When a PHA non‐carrier is bred to a PHA carrier, the chances are 50% of producing a PHA carrier and 50% of producing a PHA non‐carrier. It is possible for a chondrodysplasia non‐carrier to carry PHA. It is possible for a chondrodysplasia carrier to also carry PHA. The two genes do not appear to be related.
Testing give the breeder the knowledge of his animals’ genetic status so that he/she can make appropriate decisions on breeding practices. By breeding non‐carriers to carriers, you can avoid the dead calf and potential damage to the cow. By gradually eliminating PHA carriers from your herds, you can build a herd that doesn’t carry this lethal gene. Unlike the chondrodysplasia carrier, PHA carriers cannot be identified visually. PHA carriers may be either longer or shorted legged animals.
I have no idea whether the bull she was bred to is a carrier, so good thoughts our baby won't be bulldog would be awesome!
it's me!
