A haplotype indicating early onset muscle weakness syndrome will be available for the first time ever in the new tri-annual genetic evaluations for dairy cattle. The new evaluations will be released on December 5. The change is significant, as early onset muscle weakness was first reported earlier in 2023 and was referred to as calf recumbency, rendering the calf unable to stand up.

Additional symptoms, such as pneumonia, may also be present. While genetic testing has been available to farmers who suspect the affliction, the tri-annual evaluation with the new haplotype reading can help producers make more informed decisions.

Read more on the early onset muscle weakness haplotype here.