ANAFIBJ provides innovative tests for two new genetic defects to improve welfare and sustainability

Following international developments and new scientific evidence, ANAFIBJ officially recognizes Early Onset Muscle Weakness Syndrome (MW), also known initially as Recumbency, and BLIRD (Bovine Lymphocyte Intestinal Retention Defect) as undesirable genetic conditions. 

Starting from 22^nd February 2024 results of direct genetic tests will be reported on the official pedigrees of the Italian Holstein breed and will be available in the online applications where ANAFIBJ exposes these genetic conditions. 

ANAFIBJ mating plan, in the WAM and WEBPAC versions, will also check these two new genes, preventing mating between carriers. 

The following encodings will be used to indicate test results: 

MW: 

WF= Tested free 

WC= Tested heterozygous carrier 

WW= Tested homozygous carrier 

BLIRD: 

LF= Tested free 

LC= Tested heterozygous carrier 

LS= Tested homozygous carrier 

ANAFIBJ believes that information related to these genetic conditions available to breeders are essential to make their selective choices in full transparency and awareness. 

These new genetic diseases make it clear that the activities ANAFIBJ is undertaking to control inbreeding in the Holstein population are necessary to limit the future emergence of new, undesirable genetic conditions. 

We invite you to follow all the updates of the Association's activity on our website www.anafibj.it.

04 March 2024