Background:
Complex vertebral malformation (CVM), a genetic lethal syndrome in Holstein calves which is characterized by shortened cervical and thoracic regions of the vertebral column, bilateral symmetric contraction of the metatarsophalangeal joints, symmetric arthrogryposis and sometimes multiple hemivertebrae, scoliosis, and synostosis of the vertebral column. Affected calves are often stillborn, typically 1-2 weeks prior to the expected calving date; however, many fetuses are also aborted even earlier in the gestation period causing huge economic loss to the farmers. From a dairy cattle breeding and industry perspective, due to the widespread practice of Artificial Insemination, carrier animals spread the mutated allele and hence the defect to new generations while recessive homozygous animals do not survive up to breeding. Hence the spread of CVM is largely through the use of semen of carrier animals used in the AI. With the aim of eliminating this genetic defect from the herd, it has been made mandatory to screen all the breeding bulls for this genetic defect. Technology Details:
The CIRC-Cattle CVM assay is used for early detection of CVM carrier animals. The test is earmarked with its Rapidity (can be completed within 2-3 hours), user-friendliness (as it is easy to perform), Economical (because it does not need expensive equipment and reagents) and Specificity (as ensured by the deliberate mismatch introduced into the primers). The assay may prove to be an effective tool for selecting CVM free animals especially young bulls at their early stage of life. This assay will be useful for the semen collection/germplasm centers, research institutions, State Animal Husbandry Departments and NGOs involved in semen collection and processing of cattle and buffaloes.