Congenital Defects of Current Concern in Beef Cattle

Abstract

Congenital defects are abnormalities of structure, formation of function present at birth. They may affect a single anatomical structure or function, an entire system, parts of several systems, or may involve several body systems, or combine functional and structural defects to form syndromes. Our consultancy program at Kansas State University utilizes a combination of clinical examination, pathology, genetics, research and a central congenital defects file, to assist breeders and the AI industry in the decision making process of breeding and defect monitoring programs. Congenital defects of current concern in beef cattle are reviewed here.