ISU Extension Webinar on Holstein Calf Muscle Weakness Genetic Defect

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues Tuesday, April 2, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The program will help Holstein breeders understand the muscle weakness genetic defect in Holstein calves.

Dr. Chad Dechow, Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Genetics at Penn State will outline the newly identified genetic defect in Holstein calves officially named Early Onset Muscle Weakness Syndrome (MW). MW affects Holstein calves’ ability to stand.

Dechow will discuss the emergence of genetic defects, the discovery of the MW mutation, clinical signs of MW, and prognosis.

Producers, dairy consultants, and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on April 2. Registration must be completed at least one hour prior to the program. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/HOLSTEIN.

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.