Phenotypes

Because of the obvious homology of this disorder with the homologous human disorder, Drögemüller et al. (2001) proposed that the bovine disorder be called by the name of its human homologue, which is now done in this catalogue. The earlier names are listed here as species-specific names [Frank Nicholas 20 June 2002].

In a conference abstract, Marron and Beever (2012) reported the causal mutation of hypotrichosis in Belted Galloway cattle to be "an A1684T substitution in exon 9 of hephaestin-like 1 (HEPHL1) resulting in a premature stop codon (K562X)". They further noted that "Hephaestin-like 1 is responsible for copper ion transport. Copper deficiency has been shown to cause anemia, poor immune function, slower growth rates and discolored or poor hair coat...

The double-muscle trait in cattle is characterised by an increase in muscle mass of approx 20%, resulting in substantially higher meat yield, a higher proportion of expensive cuts of meat, and lean and very tender meat, for which a substantial premium is paid. The trait is autosomal recessive, and the locus has been given the symbol mh. It occurs at such a high frequency in Piedmontese and Belgian Blue cattle that it is characteristic of these...