PROPORTIONATE DWARFISM IN JERSEY COWS

Abstract

A new type of proportionate dwarfism segregated from inbred and outcross matings among the progeny of one sire. At birth the dwarfs cannot be distinguished by appearance, weight, height, or heart girth. Though they grow more slowly than normal outcrossed or inbred sibs, they cannot be identified until about 12 months old. All the dwarfs reproduced, but on the whole their reproductive potential was lower than that of normal outcrossed or inbred sibs. Considering body size and age, three of them lactated rather well; the fourth very poorly. The evidence indicates that this particular type of dwarfism is hereditary and may be conditioned by a single autosomal recessive gene.