Gene
Dexter PHA (pulmonary hypoplasia with anasarca) is a recessive lethal defect: a calf with two copies has underdeveloped lungs and severe fluid swelling and is aborted or stillborn, and the difficult delivery can kill the cow. Carriers are healthy and are found by DNA testing. The Dexter variant differs from the one tested in Shorthorn and Maine-Anjou cattle.
Cattle show Dexter PHA only with two copies. One copy makes a carrier, which looks normal but can pass Dexter PHA on.
Two copies cause pulmonary hypoplasia with anasarca: the calf is aborted or stillborn, and its delivery can be difficult enough to kill the cow.
The Dexter test is written N/N, N/PHAD and PHAD/PHAD and does not detect the Shorthorn and Maine-Anjou variant; some laboratories test both.
The American Dexter Cattle Association lists PHA status when results are submitted and calls breeding two carriers strongly inadvisable.
Recorded or possible carriers of Dexter PHA. This grouping does not predict their full appearance.
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Guides and articles for Dexter PHA cattle owners.
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