Comparative review of recessive genetic disorders occurrence in Indian Cattle

Holstein Friesian (HF) are high yielding animals therefore, dominates the global dairy industry. Because of merits of the breed, the Holsteins were extensively used for crossbreeding programmes in India. The availability of the bovine genome sequence and the advent of DNA technologies have widened our understanding for hereditary diseases in cattle and their early diagnosis. Some of autosomal recessive disorders are Holstein specific. The present review article describes prevalence of the most important autosomal recessive disorders in Indian Holstein and its crossbreds as compared to their occurrence worldwide. Mainly five disorders; BLAD (Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency), DUMPS (Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase), Bovine Citrullinaemia, CVM (Complex Vertebral Malformation) and FXI (Factor XI deficiency syndrome), are being screened in Indian cattle with the major objective to reduce the incidence of genetic disorders in cattle population and reduce the economic losses to the organized farms. Precisely, genetic disorders cause physical or functional anomalies with negative impact on viability. The old adage that prevention is better than cures is pertinent.