Impact of Complex Vertebral Malformation (CVM) on dairy cows fertility

CVM is a genetic condition in Holstein cattle that leads to embryonic loss and abortion. It is only a problem when two CVM carrier animals are mated and was first discovered in 2000 when the effects of a carrier sire, Carlin-M Ivanhoe Bell, became apparent. At Greenmount, genetic testing of cows descended from CVM carrier bulls were tested for CVM and breeding records analysed. Sires are now selected that are tested free of CVM (*TV).