Shorthorn breeders were hit with a genetic defect after the turn of the millennium that has helped other breeds eradicate similar problems and has led to extensive research for identification of other genetic mutations.
In 2000, Tibial Hemimelia, a lethal genetic defect began showing up predominantly in Shorthorn cattle. The defect, carried as a recessive gene, causes multiple congenital defects according to Dr. Jon Beever at the University of Illinois.
"TH really came to the forefront in 2003, but was first described in Galloway cattle in the 1960s," said Dr. Beever.
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