BETA-MANNOSIDOSIS IN A NEBRASKA COW HERD

beta-Mannosidosis is characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme beta- mannosidase that causes a buildup of oligosaccharides in neurons, epit helium of proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney, and cytoplasm of various other tissues. Passed on through a simple autosomal recessive gene, the disease is 100% fatal in neonatal Salers. In spring 1992, 14 calves in a commercial cow herd were afflicted with beta-mannosidosis ; six were presented to the Hyannis Veterinary Service in Hyannis, Neb raska, for veterinary examination. The identification of carrier and i ndeterminate bulls led to the eventual elimination of the disease from the herd. It is important for beef producers and veterinarians to be aware of the potential of genetically occurring diseases such as beta- mannosidosis to surface in beef herds as well as the methods of diagno sing and managing them.