Journal of Applied Genetics 50(2), 2009, pp. 149-152

Identification of carriers of the mutation causing coagulation factor XI deficiency in Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle

A. Gurgul, D. Rubis, E. Slota

Abstract: Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a hereditary coagulation disorder observed in various mammalian species. The molecular basis of coagulopathy has been recognized in Holstein cattle as a 76-bp insertion in the coding region of the FXI gene. Because the disorder seems to have an impact on reproductive traits and udder health in cattle, we tested 103 randomly selected cows, 28 cows with repeat breeding, and 9 cows with recurrent mastitis for the presence of an abnormal FXI allele. Three related cows were diagnosed as carriers.

Key words: coagulopathy, factor XI deficiency, insertion, Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle.

Correspondence: A. Gurgul, Department of Animal Immuno- and Cytogenetics, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland; e-mail: arturgurgul@wp.pl