In case you missed it, in the latest Red Angus eNews they now have a DNA test available for Exercise-Induced Collapse (EC) available through the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA).
From Dr. Lindsay Upperman’s article (read the full article by clicking on the link below) here’s an overview of EC.
EC is best described as an exercise intolerance during strenuous activity, which presented in the original animals as exaggerated fatigue or muscle twitches, leading to the animals laying down or collapsing. “After a period of rest most calves were able to recover, however in a percentage of cases with extreme or repeated physical exertion, the condition can be fatal.” Researchers located a variant in the PYGM gene. This gene breaks down glycogen in skeletal muscle and the mutation causes this not to happen and leads to the exercise intolerance in affected calves. Another key is the researchers also noted a negative effect on the meat quality of affected calves due to the buildup of glycogen, resulting in higher pH and dark cutters on the rail. It’s also important to note the mutation is a autosomal recessive genetic mutation so the sire and dam both need to carry one copy for the offspring to be affected.
Here is the information regarding EC testing, sharing verbatim from RAAA eNews.
In the July/August issue of Red Angus Magazine, Dr. Lindsay Upperman detailed a newly identified genetic mutation in Red Angus cattle known as exercise-induced collapse. Based on this discovery, a DNA test has been developed to identify potential carriers of EC.
At this time, the RAAA board of directors has NOT changed the rules and regulations regarding EC and whether it will be monitored. The board will continue evaluating EC over the coming months, and more information will be made available soon.
In the meantime, EC testing is now available. Please use updated DNA order forms to request this test found here and here. You may note EC in the defects column when submitting a new sample. If you would like to test animals that have already been DNA tested, send an email to DNA@redangus.org with the animals registration numbers and specify that you wish to have EC testing completed.
The cost of this test is $25 per head for TSU and blood samples, hair samples are $30 per head and semen samples are $27 per head. An additional $2 sample pull fee will be applied if testing is performed on samples already on file.
For questions regarding this new mutation, please reach out to Dr. Lindsay Upperman at lindsay@redangus.org. For EC testing or ordering questions please email the DNA department at DNA@redangus.org.
Information supplied in this post was referenced and sourced from the January 22, 2025 Red Angus eNews along with Dr. Lindsay Upperman’s article in the July/August Red Angus Magazine.
datageniellc.com 