In animal breeding, genetic disorders are one of the most important issues for breeders. These monogenic recessive autosomal defects cause early embryonic mortality, abortion or death at early age after birth. Widespread use of artificial insemination (AI) and international trading of semen and breeding bulls accelerates the spread of undesirable genes in population. Regular screening of the breeding bulls used for AI reduces the risk of dissemination of these deleterious genes in the animal population.Four major genetic disorders namely Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (BLAD), Citrullinaemia, DUMPS (Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase), Factor XI deficiency syndrome are tested in the laboraotory.
I. BLAD
BLAD is a disease characterized by a reduced expression of the adhesion molecules on neutrophils, called β-integrins. These proteins help the neutrophils to migrate to the site of inflammation. Animals with BLAD are characterized by recurrent bacterial infections, pneumonia, ulcerative and granulomatous stomatitis, enteritis with bacterial overgrowth, periodontitis, loss of teeth, delayed wound healing, persistent neutrophilia and death at an early age.
