Phenotypic variation in bovine α-mannosidosis

Breeding experiments were conducted in 1984, 1985 and 1986, using Angus and Galloway bulls and cows that were obligatory heterozygotes for α-mannosidosis. Sixty-nine calves were born in the herd of which 16 were diagnosed as cases of α-mannosidosis. The clinical and pathological findings in eight Angus cross Angus, four Galloway cross Angus, and four Galloway cross Galloway calves affected with α-mannosidosis are reported. Thirteen calves displayed neurological signs in the early neonatal period. Three Galloway cross Galloway calves were stillborn. The severity of disease caused death or necessitated euthanasia within the first week of life of 10 affected calves. Three Angus cross Angus calves survived 40, 80 and 210 days. These findings illustrate significant variation in the phenotypic expression of α-mannosidosis both within and between the breeds.