Physical traits of a PHA carrier?

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OH Showman

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Joined
Dec 26, 2015
Messages
20
I know there are a few signs to watch out for to tell TH carriers and I generally guess them based on their heads and the type of hair that they have. Based on what we have had tested, I've been right thus far. We have two Whiskey daughters that need tested for PHA and one has a Daddy's Money bull calf that I am planning on keeping a bull. Has anyone noticed any kinds of physical signs that PHA carriers have? I am curious to see whether it is possible to make an accurate guess on them as well.
 

knabe

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2007
Messages
13,639
Location
Hollister, CA
the cost of the test is way cheaper than a mistake on assessing phenotype.

in the past, one could tell who the carriers were by how much the semen costs, threats of a lawsuit revealing the identity of carriers, inverse correlation between who said it doesn't matter and if they used them. interestingly, there also seems to be a slight inverse correlation between people who advocate for using carriers and understanding of genetics.

really, the only way to deal with the defects is to test, breed carriers to non-carriers, or breed carriers to carriers and deal with dead calves and cows. the other way, is obviously, though maybe not, is to not use carriers. 

the supposed "look" of PHA carrier females is a thicker appearance in the chine and a more masculine look to females.

the paper describing PHA in cattle has never come out and what it supposedly does in a hetero state and which allele is activated.  not sure why the paper has never come out.

using carriers, one can be proud to release untested carrier culls into the commercial population as most people, again, don't have the decency to make sure they are sent to slaughter as they don't want to test the culls but get the highest price possible saying they are out of carrier genetics.

it's really pathetic.

I guess i'm curious why you want to guess and not test, though you do say you want to test.
 

OH Showman

Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2015
Messages
20
I already am sending off a sample to be tested on the bull since Maine bulls have to be tested now. I was assuming that he was clean and just wanted to know for sure. I was interested in knowing if others had seen a trait in most of their carriers or if there are no physical signs like there are with th in which the cattle tend to be more masculine about their head with a bump in the middle of their skull. His dam is really feminine and bigger framed. I'm just curious. I wouldn't use an untested bull on potential carriers.
 

sue

Well-known member
Joined
May 1, 2007
Messages
1,906
I get the question but cannot say that I have a conversation with anyone regarding physical looks of PHA??
 

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