WHITE HEIFER DISEASE Meaning and
Definition
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White Heifer Disease is a rare inherited condition found in certain cattle breeds, characterized by the birth of white female calves that are unable to reproduce. Also known as the Freemartin syndrome, it occurs when a female calf shares the womb with a male calf during gestation, leading to the transfer of male hormones from the male to the female twin. This hormonal exchange results in incomplete development of the female reproductive system, leading to infertility.
The condition gets its name from the common manifestation in white heifers, although it can occur in various cattle breeds. White Heifer Disease is believed to be caused by the fusion of the placental tissues between the two calves, allowing for the transfer of male hormones. It is most commonly observed in cattle herds where artificial insemination or multiple embryo transfers are conducted.
Affected heifers are typically born with externally normal-looking reproductive organs, but internally, there is a severe reduction in the development of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Consequently, these cattle experience infertility and lack the ability to produce female offspring. While they may possess normal appearing mammary glands and exhibit regular estrus cycles, they remain sterile and unable to conceive.
White Heifer Disease poses significant challenges to cattle breeders as affected animals cannot be used for natural reproduction purposes. However, they may still be valuable for purposes such as milk production or meat production. Veterinarians can diagnose the condition through a thorough physical examination of the reproductive organs and hormonal analysis.
Common Misspellings for WHITE HEIFER DISEASE
- qhite heifer disease
- ahite heifer disease
- shite heifer disease
- ehite heifer disease
- 3hite heifer disease
- 2hite heifer disease
- wgite heifer disease
- wbite heifer disease
- wnite heifer disease
- wjite heifer disease
- wuite heifer disease
- wyite heifer disease
- whute heifer disease
- whjte heifer disease
- whkte heifer disease
- whote heifer disease
- wh9te heifer disease
- wh8te heifer disease
- whire heifer disease
- whife heifer disease
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