The congenital syndrome of arachnomelia and arthrogryposis is inherited as a monogenic autosomal recessive trait. Affected calves are characterized by abnormalities of the muscle and skeletal system. Main symptoms are extended, thin and fragile limbs (arachnomelia) giving the mostly stillborn calf a spidery look. The carpal, tarsal and fetlock joints are hyperflexible or contracted (arthrogryposis). This lethal defect occurs in the international Brown Swiss cattle population. We identified the causative mutation for arachnomelia and developed a direct genetic test, which allows the detection of carriers. 

Contact: Cord Drögemüller