Cancer eye

[farmwife]

I'm not disagreeing with the publication that was sited, however I read from at least 10 different extension publications from across the nation that made mention of the fact that pigment was inherited and that it is a deterrent to cancer eye, but didn't make mention of cancer eye being inherited.

In addition, the publication cited does not mention specifics in regards to cancer eye being inherited only that it is -- not proof to me (there may be proof out there somewhere though).

 

[smnherf]

I agree that pigment is heritable. But so is cancer. If you still don't beleive me read this.

http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/pdfs/bch/03105.pdf


It states:

"The tendency to develop cancer
eye is a highly heritable trait. This was first reported in
1949 by Dr. John Knox of New Mexico and has been
shown by various workers since that time. This heritability
level is thought to be about .30, which is about the
same as for weaning weight. Thus, selection against
cancer eye can be a relatively effective tool. Do not save
heifers from cows with cancer eye, particularly if the
problem developed when the cow was young. Eliminate
bulls with this trait. Brown pigment around the eyes has
been shown to decrease the incidence of cancer in eyelids.
The brown around the eyes can be selected for as a
somewhat heritable trait.
Preventive medicine is important. Early recognition
and treatment of benign eye tumors can drastically
reduce the incidence of cancer eye in any herd. Close
observation and treatment of precancerous lesions,
used in conjunction with good culling practices, can
lower the incidence of cancer."


Brian

 

[farmwife]

I stand corrected Brian I can see that there is at least some info on the heritability of cancer eye. I would like to see some research though. In our herd as in some others, we haven't experienced daughters of cancer eye cows getting it as well. Research data would be interesting on this.