Neuropathic hydrocephalus (NH)

Neuropathic hydrocephalus (NH) is a lethal genetic condition recognised in 2009.

The condition causes calves to be born with an enlarged cranium (volleyball to basketball in size), with the bones of the skull loosely arranged and malformed. The head cavity is filled with fluid and no recognizable brain or spinal tissue is present. Some evidence suggests the condition is associated with early abortions, with those calves carried born near full term at a reduced weight.

NH is controlled by a simple recessive mutation.

Further reading 

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).