Caprine Mucopolysaccharidosis
III D, (G6S)
The study of the G6S enzyme deficiency was begun at Michigan
state University, East Lansing, Michigan in 1987. Herds studied
were from the general Nubian population from that area. It was
determined that the percentage of Nubians who were carriers
of this mutant gene in the United States was in the range of
25% and that the range of affected animals that would succumb
to the effects of this anomaly would be about 2 to 3 % of the
total breeding population.
Carriers of
this defective gene exhibit no effects in growth, development
or general health. However when two carriers produce off spring
the rate of mortally effected animals is about 25%, with an additional
50% being undetected carriers like the parents. The remaining
25% of the offspring are Normal in genetic make-up. Affected animals--those
who have the defective gene on both sites-- are likely to exhibit
muscle tremors, slab sidedness, nervous twitches, heart problems
and depressed autoimmune systems. Life expectancy varies with
the severity of the symptoms. Most animals fail to join the breeding
population.
It is our goal
to produce only Nubians who will go on to be a credit to this
fine and noble breed. It is our contention that it is the duty
of those of us breeding Nubians to protect and foster all the
best traits that have become our heritage. To that end, we offer
only animals for sale who have been tested G6S Normal or proven
by pedigree to arise from Normal stock. This aligns itself with
the philosophy that milk production testing and conformation evaluation
through showing and HES contributes to the improvement of our
breed. It is our goal to offer to you the best Nubian genetics
available.
(Used
with permission from Nickel Dairy Goats)
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