Oldtimer
Well-known member
From the ABS site:
Unusual Calves Reported from Connealy ALL AROUND
May 4, 2009
Dr. Jonathan Beever of the University of Illinois has made us aware of two unusual calves that appear to be affected by the condition commonly known as Fawn Calf Syndrome (FCS). These calves have been parent verified to be sired by 29AN1693 Connealy ALL AROUND (15490811).
FCS is still being researched but indications from that research are that it is inherited as a simple recessive trait. Unlike AM and NH, this condition is not necessarily lethal. However, severely affected calves in extensive management conditions may have difficulties initially nursing without assistance and may be prone to mortality. This condition was first identified and investigated in Australia and research there indicates that the condition traces through the common ancestor Bon View Bando 598 to Premier Independence, the sire of his grandam, and possibly back to the dam of Independence.
Classification of the defect, breed association policies and a DNA test are all still under development at this time. ALL AROUND semen will be available only by special request through the ABS Beef Department.
ABS routinely investigates any abnormal calves reported to us that appear to be genetic in nature utilizing resources like Dr. David Steffen at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Beever and the respective breed association. Our policy has been and continues to be to label any bull that has been determined to be a carrier of a deleterious gene through either approved DNA testing or the identification of two or more calves that have been parent verified and confirmed through pathology to be affected by a known genetic defect. To date, we have had no other potential FCS calves reported to us by any other ABS sires.
When more is known about this condition and suspect pedigrees, ABS will communicate that information to our Representatives and customers. We encourage you to report any unusual calves to ABS, the respective breed association and to Drs. Beever or Steffen as referenced below on February 11th. They will assist and coordinate getting samples distributed appropriately for complete investigation.
This link contains information from the American Angus Association and a request for suspect calves to be submitted.
Reporting Fawn Calf Syndrome:
http://www.absglobal.com/media/files/be ... ng_FCS.pdf
http://www.absglobal.com/beef/beef-news/