The genetic development of horn is not yet identified, but the genes are located on the bovine chromosome 1. GenoSkan A/S uses five markers that have been found to be significant for the development of horns. Therefore, it is important that we know the gentic status of the parental animals, and grand-parents etc. to be able to get a satisfactory result of the test.

Scurs are horn-like growths, sometimes observed at a polled animal. The scurs are generally not attached to the scull, but can be mistaken for real horns, with a length of up to 10-15 cm. There is at the moment no reliable test for scurs.

Inheritance:

Polledness is inherited dominantly, i.e. the calf only has to inherit the trait for not developing horns from one parent. However, the animal can pass on the genes for horns to its own offspring and consequently a horned calf may be the result when two heterozygous polled animals are crossed (probability 25%).

Result:

• TP (heterozygous polled, i.e. the animal is predisposed for both horn and no horn)
• TPP (homozygous polled, i.e. the animal carries only the genes for polledness)
• TH (homozygous horned).

GenoSkan A/S will be happy to test an animal for polledness. The test is a marker-based test, and we will need a lot of information about the pedigree. Here is an example of a pedigree and the information we need for a test for polledness (example) 

Please contact GenoSkan A/S for further information

Information about multiple birth