Identification of the 1/29 Robertsonian translocation chromosome in British Friesian cattle

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden.

Blood samples for cytogenetic analysis were obtained from 23 animals closely related to a pedigree British Friesian bull which was heterozygous for a Robertsonian translocation, and from 35 of its daughters. The aberration was found in one of its relatives and in 19 (54.3 per cent) of its progeny and was identified as the 1/29 Robertsonian translocation by G- and C-banding techniques. It is considered likely that the translocation formed de novo recently.