herein makes a definitive statement which is THE operative phrase when any discussion relative to CA, Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM - or "Curly Calf "Syndrome), and any other of the myriad recessive genes rears its ugly head in the beef industry. Every breed, every species, every individual contains recessive genes. Those genes are seldom expressed, and because of this fact are rarely know about, even though they are 'lurking' in the background waiting for a careless genetic mistake made by a breeder who does not understand the intricacies of careful genetic management.
As Wes Ishmael, of Beef Magazine, has stated "With the DNA test for AM, producers can identiffy noncarriers within the affected line of cattle and use them without fear of propagating the recessive gene". With that said, the panic and fear of bringing a recessive gene into one's herd can be minimized expressly by astute attention to the testing and mating of clean individuals, and by NOT mating seedstock with the gene in the genetic background!
The efficient and effective method of preventing making the unforgivable error of breeding two individuals with the recessive gene is KNOWING the status of any recessive gene in each animals background, and NOT mating two carriers together. DNA testing determines this condition. Responsible seedstock producers will indicate the individual animals they are using in their herd, and let the buying public be aware of that condition! In addition to that, any breeder can feel confident that they are not propagating a recessve gene in their herd by avoiding using animals that possess those genes.
On the other hand, in a Commercial herd, mating carrier bulls to cows of another breed, or vice versa, there is no risk - as long as ONE of the parents is NOT a carrier. In that regard, excellent genetics may be utilized by Commercial breeders, and acquire outstanding results by judicious mating protocols in selecting their seedstock carefully, and avoiding "doubling up" the recessive gene problems.
The excellent genetic Multiple Trait Selection factors, which have been developed, enriched, cultivated and reformed over the many years of intense attention to genetic and phenotypic traits and characteristics, have resulted in the highest quality Beef Cattle production in the history of the World! To lose that incredible amount of thought, work, and planning for the improvement of our industry and it's cattle is disgraceful and a rotten shame when the judicious use of common sense and careful mating protocols can result in a financial and Genetic Bonanza for intelligent producers, and all of the last 100 years of focused mating practices can be preserved for the future! My advice is to not panic, use your heads, and benefit from hundreds of thousands of hours and hard work and intelligent planning in advancing your genetic mating programs. All is NOT lost!
DOC HARRIS