How a genetic mutation from one bull caused the loss of a half-million calves worldwide
Friday, October 14, 2016 - 10:02
in Health & Medicine
Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief was one of the most prolific bulls in the history of Holstein cattle breeding—but he also introduced a lethal gene into the population, responsible for an estimated half million spontaneous abortions worldwide. Now researchers have identified the mutation responsible, enabling ranchers to test for and avoid it.