Short communication: Robertsonian translocations, chimerism, and aneuploidy in cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate frequencies of Robertsonian translocations, aneuploidy, and chimerism in Holstein-Friesian, Czech Simmental, and different beef breeds in the Czech Republic from 1996 to 2007. A total of 2,425 animals were examined: 2,377 males, (991 Holstein-Friesians, 1,218 Czech Simmental sires, 168 sires of beef breeds) and 48 females. Translocation was found in 10 Czech Simmental sires, 2 Highland, 1 Charolais, and 3 Blonde d’ Aquitaine sires, and in 13 females. Chimerism (XX/XY) was found in 9 Czech Simmental sires, and in 5 Holstein-Friesian sires; XXX trisomy was found in 2 heifers and XXY trisomy in 3 Charolais sires. We recommend that animals with such anomalies should be disqualified from siring stock bulls.