The World's source for Bovine Genetics
Complex Vertebral Malformation (CVM)
Oct.17 Select Sires Memo

MEMORANDUM

TO: Board of Directors, Member Managers, Member Marketing Directors, Member Communication Coordinators and Select Sires Staff

FROM: Dave Thorbahn, general manager, Select Sires, Inc.

SUBJECT: Complex vertebral malformations (CVM) in Holstein calves

DATE: October 17, 2000

You may have heard earlier this month that several researchers from Denmark reported initial findings about malformed neonatal Holstein calves with a condition called complex vertebral malformation (CVM). The details of this research are not yet completely available (the Danish researchers say that a detailed description of this malformation and other results obtained during this study soon will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal). However, we can infer the following about CVM:
  • Typical on-farm signs of CVM are a stillborn calf with severe scoliosis (abnormal lateral curvature of the spine), malformed or contracted rear legs, and heart defects. Malformations also have been observed in aborted fetuses, prematurely born calves and neonatal calves.
  • The malformed calves studied were reportedly homozygous for a specific segment of DNA. Cattle that are heterozygous for this specific segment of DNA are believed to be carriers of CVM, even though they themselves develop normally. (NOTE: Details about the molecular basis of CVM will be released to the industry only when the patent on the diagnostic method has been obtained.)
  • Bulls that have been identified as believed carriers for this specific segment of DNA are DK236398 T Klassy1, DK234042 KOL Nixon1, DK230104 T Burma1, 97H021 Etazon Lord Lily2 and 7H0543 Carlin-M Ivanhoe Bell3.
The department of animal breeding and genetics at The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences has commercialized a diagnostic test, based on genetic markers, designed to identify CVM carriers that is said to have an accuracy of 98 percent or more. Currently the testing process takes at least one week to complete, with a cost of $70 to $90 per test.

Rest assured that Select Sires is working closely with the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) and the Holstein Association to learn more about CVM, its diagnosis and genetic relationships through additional research and testing. Out of this collaboration, Dave Steffen, D.V.M., Ph.D., a highly regarded pathologist from the University of Nebraska, has communicated information about CVM to veterinary diagnosticians so they can look for cases in the United States. In the past week he has received reports of two calves that match the symptoms described by the Danish researchers. Dr. Steffen will submit tissue samples from these calves for DNA testing, and is preparing a research paper for publication to document his findings.

There is still great deal about CVM that remains unknown. While we are waiting for research results to provide concrete answers, it is likely that dairy producers may come to you with questions about CVM. Please feel free to share this letter with members who have questions. If a member wants to discuss the topic in more depth, you can direct him/her to Chuck Sattler, Dr. Don Monke or me.

As further information about CVM becomes available, I will communicate that to you.

1 Sampled primarily in Denmark
 2 Sampled primarily in The Netherlands
 3 Sampled primarily in the United States



Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751