HEREDITARY FACTORS AND ABNORMALITIES

Heredity

The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring in genetics.

Gene mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that may lead to genetic abnormalities.

Teratogenic

An agent or factor that can cause structural or functional birth defects in a developing fetus.( caused by sanitation chemicals)

Congenital abnormalities

Malformations present at birth that involve specific organs or parts of an animal's body.

Cyclopia

A birth defect where the front part of the brain does not separate into two hemispheres, resulting in a single eye.

Free Martin

A female twin of a male calf that becomes masculinized and sterile.

Congenital hypotrichosis

An ectodermal dysplasia condition leading to hair loss and intolerance to cold in cattle.

Cryptorchidism

A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.

Genotype

The actual genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable physical traits of an individual.

Dominant gene

A gene that overshadows the expression of another member of the gene pair.

Recessive gene

A gene that is masked or overshadowed in the presence of a dominant gene.

Homozygous

Referring to gene pairs that are alike (e.g., BB).

Heterozygous

Referring to gene pairs that differ (e.g., Bb).

Anencephaly

A condition characterized by the absence of a major portion of the brain.

Atresia ani

A congenital defect in which the anus fails to communicate with the hindgut.