What is the Myostatin Mutation?

The Myostatin Mutation is a genetic, partially recessive mutation where a segment of the gene, NT821, is missing or deleted. When both sire and dam carry the NT821 deletion, progeny can be affected causing the myostatin to be inactive and fail to regulate excessive muscle size. While there is an argument for various meat trait improvements, the Myostatin Mutation can have disastrous consequences on reproduction. Calving ease is the main affliction where issues in the morphological imbalance between the dam and calf are exaggerated at time of birth. This occurs via either or both an afflicted calf with increased width and weight, and an afflicted cow with a decreased pelvic area.

Myostatin is an inherited disorder and most commonly carried in Brahman, Droughtmaster, Santa Gertrudis, Angus, Limousin, Murray Grey, Shorthorn, Simmental and Speckle Park cattle and their composites. The highest occurrence of the mutation occurs in Belgian Blue and Piedmontese breeds.

How do I control the Myostatin Mutation in my herd?

The Myostatin Mutation can be easily controlled within your herd through sire testing, to ensure herd sires do not carry the NT821 deletion. Even if cows in your herd carry the mutation, the disease cannot be passed onto progeny without two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent.

Myostatin testing can be ordered as a standalone test or as part of the RePRO BI Ultimate Bundle.

The lab results for myostatin mean:

A = Affected. Carries two copies of the myostatin gene.

C= Carrier. Carries one copy of the myostatin gene.

N= Non-carrier. Carries no copies of the myostatin gene.