| From the Desk of Wade Shafer, EVP | March 8,2024 |
| Hello, As many of you are aware, the American Simmental Association has been investigating a developing genetic condition that causes Hydrops pregnancies in a certain line of Simmental genetics. Reports involve daughters and granddaughters of the bull WS All Aboard B80, ASA# 2852207, and pregnancies created by embryo transfers of daughters. The complications of pregnancy with the condition usually result in loss of the calf and occasional loss of the dam. Early pregnancy termination will save the cow. Late-stage induction and attended birth may save the cow and calf. You should consult with your herd veterinarian for final determination of how to manage the pregnancy. We are sending this letter directly to members with descendants of WS All Aboard B80 reported in their operation, sales managers interfacing with members potentially selling related genetics, state associations, and SimSpecialists. Here are some updates in relation to this research and ASA’s actions/suggestions. Ongoing Research The ASA staff and University of Nebraska–Lincoln research team are working diligently to thoroughly document the pathology related to this condition to find a causative mutation that can be used for a DNA test. A large genotyping investigation has zeroed in on a region of the chromosome that is likely to contain the causative mutation. Continued investigation, sequencing, genotyping, and analysis is ongoing. Late in 2023 another project was initiated that will track these pregnancies from conception through to the end of pregnancy to monitor fetal development, potential abnormalities with the pregnancy throughout gestation, and thoroughly document the Hydrops condition and sample collection. This research is ongoing with the pregnancies nearing three months along. In addition to the above research, the ASA and UNL are collecting information and samples on active Hydrops cases. It is our sincere hope that we will find a DNA test as soon as possible in order to deliver more certainty and informed decisions to the operations with WS All Aboard genetics. TraitTrac Hydrops has been added to Herdbook’s TraitTrac with WS All Aboard B80 listed as a documented carrier. At this time there are no genetic holds placed on his descendants as there is not a DNA test available yet. Once there is a test, then Hydrops will follow the same policy as other genetic conditions. ASA Recommended Marketing Statement for WS All Aboard B80 descendants Female progeny who are descendants of or are directly sired by WS All Aboard B80 (ASA# 2852207) are at risk for carrying a genetic abnormality called Hydrops. Daughters may develop a serious condition during late gestation that results in excess fluid in the fetal membrane which typically causes the loss of the calf and occasionally the dam. There is no current test at this time to identify animals carrying this mutation. Research is ongoing regarding the transmission of the abnormality, and to develop a genetic test. Helping our producers navigate this issue is of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, given that there is neither a full understanding of this condition nor a test, careful consideration should be given regarding the question of whether to breed WS All Aboard B80 descendant females until more information is available to breeders. For questions regarding established WS All Aboard B80 genetics, Hydrops symptoms, reporting an active case, or additional information, please visit the Hydrops Information Center at www.simmental.org or reach out to Jackie Atkins at jatkins@simmgene.com. |
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