How are genetic conditions inherited?

Genetic conditions have different modes of inheritance. All genetic conditions monitored by Angus Australia follow a single recessive gene mode of inheritance, making them easy to manage.

These single gene recessive genetic conditions result in 3 possible genotypes:

• Free – animal is normal and carries two copies of the normal form and no copies of the mutation
• Affected – affected or abnormal animal which carries two copies of the mutation
• Carrier – animal which looks normal, but carries one copy of the mutation which can be passed onto offspring

This diagram provides an illustration of the possible mating outcomes from different mating combinations for a single gene recessive genetic condition.

Angus Australia acknowledges the funds provided by the Australian Government through the Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company (MDC).  

This resource was created as a result of a collaboration between Angus Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company (MDC) (Project P.PSH.1063).