Background
An abnormal increase in the volume of muscle fibers is the cause of Muscular Hypertrophy (in contrast with Muscular Hyperplasie, in which the increase in muscle is caused by the number of muscle fibers). The genetic factor results in addition of about 20 percent muscle, resulting in higher carcass yield combined with leaner meat. The genetic factor is indicated as mh, and occurs frequently in Piedmontese and Belgian Blue cattle. In other breeds however, the same increase in muscle has been seen. In addition to the clear advantages, several disadvantages originate from e.g. complications at birth. In a random selection of double-muscled cattle, at least 7 genetic variants have been seen in the mystatin-gene. Genetic identification of mh is very complex.
Test specific information
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Age
The genetic factor is continuously present, and will always be visible.
Throughput
Normally the result can be expected within 25 working days. This turn-around-time starts when both the sample and the fully filled-out and signed submission form have been received.
Location of disease or trait
The genetic factor has an effect on muscle. Depending on the effect, increase of muscle volume and quality may take place.
Breed dependence
This DNA test is available for the following breeds: Piedmontese, Belgian Blue.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Hair, Semen, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Tissue. Please contact PharmaDNA if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
An animal can be free and has in that situation two healthy alleles. When used in breeding this animal will not become ill due to the disease. It cannot spread the disease in the population.An animal can be carrier and has in that situation one healthy and one disease allele. When used in breeding 50 percent of the offspring will receive the disease allele. Carriers will not become ill.An animal can be affected and has in that situation two disease alleles. When used in breeding all offspring will also receive the disease allele. Affected will become ill.
Inheritance
This genetic factor is inherited in an autosomal, recessive, mode. This means, that the individual can be free of the disease (homozygote normal), affected (homozygous affected) or carrier (heterozygous). Carriers may spread the mutation in a population without showing symptoms themselves. Because of this, it is extremely important to identify carriers correctly to prevent spreading of a mutation.
Severity of Disease
Genetic characteristics are not a disease.
