Like all other Simmental Breeders throughout the country that are registering cattle, all of our cattle are tested for Genetic Defects if they come from a population with a risk for that defect. Here at Dickson Simmentals, we strive to have green lighted animals, which are free or tested free of any genetic defects.
The Association’s new genetic monitoring policy went into effect June 1, 2009. The genetic status is reported on ASA’s Herdbook Website for each animal using color codes to help identify the status. In addition to identifying animals that are tested free and tested carrier for a genetic defect, animals are identified if they have a carrier in their lineage and if they come from a population with a risk for that defect.
Before new progeny can be reported, all sires and donor dams must be tested for a genetic defect if they have a carrier in their lineage or come from a risk population for that genetic defect and have not already been tested. The Association is currently monitoring six genetic defects which are listed below:
Curly calf (AM)
Osteopetrosis (OP)
Tibial Hemimelia (TH)
Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca (PHA)
Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)
Contractual Arachnodactyly (CA)
Please reference the American Simmental Association website for more information.