Abstract:

Complex vertebral malformation (CVM), a lethal autosomal recessive inherited defect in Holstein calves, was newly reported worldwide. The molecular cause of CVM was a substitution of guanine by thymine (G→T) in a solute carrier family 35 member 3 gene (SLC35A3), encoding UDP-N-acetylglucosamine transporter. It was characterized by stillborn, abortion, and premature birth. The objective of this study was to study the actual carrier frequency of the CVM mutation in a population of Chinese Holstein (=Chinese Black-and-White) normal cattle. The normal 436 Holstein cows and 93 Hol-stein bulls were genotyping by using the Created Restriction Site PCR (CRS-PCR) and Allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) methods. There were two bulls and one cow in three observed CVM-carriers. In the Holstein dairy cattle and Holstein bull population, the percentages of CVM carriers were estimated as 0.60% and 2.20% respectively. This study provided a more reliable and useful method for extensive screening of CVM and also offers a theoretical basis for molecular diagnosis in Holstein calves.