MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Salers Association of Canada authorized test lab for B-Mann

Description of the Bovine B-Mannosidosis Carrier DNA Test

Bovine B-mannosidosis is an autosomal recessive disease (genetic defect).  Carriers have one normal copy and one mutant copy of the B-mannosidase gene and do not show any symptoms of the disease.  However, a B-mannosidosis carrier can produce diseased offspring when bred with other carriers.  The Michigan State University (MSU) lab, under Dr. Karen Friderici, have determined the complete bovine B-mannosidase DNA coding sequence and have discovered a mutation associated with the disease.  This mutation is a single basepair change out of a coding sequence of 2,637 basepairs.  Direct testing for the presence of this mutation can now be done and the B-mannosidosis carrier status determined for both pure and mixed breed cattle.

To aid cattle breeders, MSU has developed a test to reliably determine if an animal is a B-mannosidosis carrier.  The testing can be done utilizing samples of whole blood, semen, or tail hair with the follicles intact.

BLOOD or SEMEN:

  • Samples may be submitted without consideration of the animal’s age or gender.  Information about the Sire and Dam is appreciated.
  • Whole blood (EDTA anticoagulant – “purple topped tube”), 2-3 ml is adequate (tube should be at least half full).
  • A new needle must be used for each sample.
  • Draw site and needle size are not important.
  • Blood samples should be sent in a thick, Styrofoam blood mailer or container to prevent breakage and/or spillage.
  • Blood sample should be received within seven (7) days of collection and sent by 1st class mail.
  • For semen analysis, one straw or ampule is adequate.
  • Semen samples should be sent by overnight mail in a padded envelope.
  • Blood and semen samples can be refrigerated, but must not be frozen.
  • Blood and semen samples must be accompanied by a copy of the current Breed Association Import Permit (available from the Association office).

HAIR:

  • Collect hair from the tip of the tail (switch).  The root ends contain the DNA.  Samples are to be pulled not clipped.
  • Clean the tail switch to remove foreign material.  Comb or brush the tail to remove dead hair.  If needed, wash clean and rinse with water.  Wait for tail to be completely dry.  Sample must be free of urine or manure – dirty samples will not be processed – contamination will make the sample unfit for testing.
  • Wrap approximately 5 strands of hair around a finger, about 2 inches away from the skin, and give a sharp pull.  Inspect the hair to ensure that the follicles are attached.  Hair strands without follicles do not contain DNA and cannot be tested.
  • Repeat until you have obtained 20 hair roots.
  • Place all of the hair roots at one end, with the long strands pointing straight down.  Secure the hairs together with adhesive tape wrapped approximately 1 inch from the follicles.  Place the sample in the labeled envelope and immediately seal to minimize contamination.  Hair from only one animal is to be placed in each envelope.
  • If doing more than one animal, WASH HANDS before starting on next animal or use a clean pair of surgical gloves.  This will reduce cross-contamination of DNA samples.  Repeat the collection steps for each animal.
  • Place the completed application form and identified hair sample envelope in a larger envelope and mail to MSU.  No import permit is necessary.

COST:
Payment to Michigan State University must accompany samples.  A separate application is to be submitted for each sample.  Charges for the test are $35 US per whole blood or hair sample; semen can be tested for $75 US per sample.  Sample processing will not begin until payment is made.

SEND SAMPLES TO:
Attn:  Karen Friderici PhD
Dept of Micro & Mol. Genetics
2209 Biomedical Physical Science Bldg
Michigan State University
East Lansing,  MI  48824

RESULTS:
Results are provided to the owners, submitting veterinarian and the Breed Association.

Maintaining High Standards

The Salers Association of Canada has adopted an aggressive and pro-active approach in genetic testing requirements for registration of Salers cattle.  All Salers sires must have a clean B-Mann status to register their progeny.  All embryo donor females and AI sires must have DNA on file and a clean B-Mann status to register their progeny.

Canadian Salers fullblood status is maintained through DNA parentage verification requirements before being registered.  Embryo transplant calves must also be parentage verified prior to registration.  This parentage testing is done at Bova-Can Laboratories at the University of Saskatoon, authorized by Salers Association of Canada.

In almost any genetic population genetic defects show up from time to time.  It is prudent to be aware of the possibility and to periodically test to identify carriers of the defective gene.  Beta-Mannosidosis is the only genetic defect identified in the Salers breed, and since 1995 there has been a ‘gold standard’ test available for breeders to use.  Michigan State University’s Department of Micro & Molecular Genetics, under the direction of Dr. Karen Friderici PhD, is the sole authorized test lab.

Forms and information on proper sample collection for testing are available by clicking the tabs on the sidebar of this page.