Balancing selection of a frame-shift mutation in the MRC2 gene accounts for the outbreak of the Crooked Tail Syndrome in Belgian Blue Cattle.

in PLoS Genetics (2009), 5(9), 1000666

We herein describe the positional identification of a 2-bp deletion in the open reading frame of the MRC2 receptor causing the recessive Crooked Tail Syndrome in cattle. The resulting frame-shift reveals ... [more ▼]

We herein describe the positional identification of a 2-bp deletion in the open reading frame of the MRC2 receptor causing the recessive Crooked Tail Syndrome in cattle. The resulting frame-shift reveals a premature stop codon that causes nonsense-mediated decay of the mutant messenger RNA, and the virtual absence of functional Endo180 protein in affected animals. Cases exhibit skeletal anomalies thought to result from impaired extracellular matrix remodeling during ossification, and as of yet unexplained muscular symptoms. We demonstrate that carrier status is very significantly associated with desired characteristics in the general population, including enhanced muscular development, and that the resulting heterozygote advantage caused a selective sweep which explains the unexpectedly high frequency (25%) of carriers in the Belgian Blue Cattle Breed. [less ▲]

Whole blood viscosity and viscoelasticity in healthy dairy cows

Poster (2008, July 10)

Intestinal intussusceptions in cattle: a retrospective study (22 cases)

Conference (2008, July 10)

Evaluation of the treatment of septic arthritis by arthrotomy in calves

Conference (2008, July 10)

Etude des principales maladies du système locomoteur chez le veau de race Blanc-Bleu Belge

Master of advanced studies dissertation (2007)

The mortality rate due to musculoskeletal diseases in calves is 9 % of the overall mortality rate. It may then have major consequences on the future of the animal and on breeder’s economics. The most ... [more ▼]

The mortality rate due to musculoskeletal diseases in calves is 9 % of the overall mortality rate. It may then have major consequences on the future of the animal and on breeder’s economics. The most common musculoskeletal diseases are septic arthritis, congenital articular rigidity, fractures and spastic paresis. Two clinical studies were performed on 295 and 40 Belgian Blue calves. The first one reported a 72.3 % success rate in surgical treatments of septic arthritis. The 83.9 % rate of posterior presentation and the 90 % rate of males confirmed the hypothesis of hypomobility of calves affected by congenital articular rigidity. The success rate after appropriate treatment was 82.8 %. This study also confirmed the predisposition of Belgian Blue calves to tibial fractures (52 %). The success rate of fractures in calves was 74.1 %. An alternative to treatment in case of quadriceps or combined spastic paresis is fattening. Seventy height percent of affected calves have indeed been fattened with an almost normal growth rate. This alternative remains economically advantageous. The second study developed a classification of gastrocnemius spastic paresis based on general examination, special examination and postoperative results. This classification demonstrates the progressive nature of this disease and its consequences on body condition, allowing a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. The success rate after partial tibial nevrectomy for grade II, III and IV was respectively 100 %, 72.7 % and 42.9 %. Those 2 studies demonstrate the effectiveness of accurate diagnosis and prognosis associated with an appropriate treatment to offer a better output to breeders despite the presence of these diseases. [less ▲]