Dwarf calves among the most common defect reported by beef farmers

Whole body defects such as dwarfism were the most common calf deformity reported by beef farmers in an online survey by the ICBF this summer.

It is estimated that genetic cattle defects are costing farmers at least €1.7m per year in Ireland.

The first ever National Defect Information Survey, carried out by ICBF geneticist Dr Jennifer McClure, captured information from 106 farmers about deformed animals.

Some 62% of beef farmers reported having a defective animal born on their farm at some time and 91% of those farmers reported the defect to someone.

Reporting of defects

The most common system they saw a defect in was the whole body, such as dwarfism, while 40% of the farmers reported animals with defects of the internal organs or genitals.

Defects of the eyes or mouth were reported by 35% of the beef farmers, while limb defects were also reported by 35% of beef farmers.

While 91% of dairy farmers surveyed had a defective animal born on their farm, they were less likely to report it to anyone.

Just 64% reported the deformity to the Department of Agriculture, vet, ICBF, herdbook or AI company.

The most common defect dairy farmers reported were defects of internal organs, genitals or anus (63%), followed by defects of the whole body such as dwarfism (38%).

Some 21% of dairy farmers reported animal with limb problems.

Dr Jennifer McClure’s work on calf deformities is currently focused on finding the genetic link to eight defects and creating a screening system that would prevent carrier animals being mated to other carriers, thus helping to eliminate the deformity from the Irish cattle herd.

Genetic cattle defects costing farmers €1.7m per year

Deformed calves under the spotlight

Udderless heifers cost farmer €20,000

Jenny, the calf with no eyes