In the 1990s, various breed associations began to receive reports of flaws of a suspected genetic/hereditary aetiology.
In recent years in particular, ANABIC has received several reports regarding animals born with often lethal congenital malformations. In addition to the Romagnola breed (with cases of achondroplasia, ascites, hydrocephalus and spastic paresis), reports have also come regarding Chianina (with cases of spastic paresis, icthyosis and congenital pseudomyotonia) and Marchigiana breeds (with cases of muscular dystrophy, brachygnathism and spastic paresis). Added to these are other abnormalities that are not lethal, but that nevertheless notably depreciate the value of affected animals. These include anomalies linked to coat colour, for example, which lead to exclusion from the Herd Book and consequently, from quality certification systems (PGI White Bullock of the Central Apennines).
For several years, ANABIC has been collaborating with Prof. Arcangelo Gentile of the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at the University of Bologna (www.arcangelogentile.it), considered a benchmark in Italy with regards to the study of genetic abnormalities, in order to plan the most appropriate strategies for studying and monitoring these undesired traits in our breeds.
We remind you that collecting cases studies plays a key role in ensuring we achieve significant results in eradicating these pathologies. We therefore kindly ask you to promptly notify ANABIC of the presence of any cases of malformation in animals on your farms.
Description of the main known genetic abnormalities