Complex vertebral malformation (CVM) is an inherited disease common in Holstein cattle. The disease is lethal for homozygous calves while the heterozygous carriers are healthy. Affected animals have complex congenital vertebral anomalies, are abnormally developed, the fore and hind limbs are insufficiently developed with an inability to extend certain joints as a result of tendon and fascia fasciitis. Spinal anomalies are characterized by degeneration of the cervical and thoracic spinal canal. The other clinical symptoms are anomalies of the heart, stillborn calves, death on the day of calving and premature birth.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: SLC35A3 gene

Disease control: read more

DNA test sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml), buccal swabs, hair, semen.