Abstract
Summary A total of eight calves showing spastic symptoms was found in two related herds of Holstein-Friesian cattle over a 2-yr. period. The symptoms were those of incoordination or ataxia, a failure of synergic muscle groups to act harmoniously. The symptoms were first apparent at about 6 wk. of age and were similar in all cases. The disease is not sex-linked, since calves of both sexes were affected. An analysis of the pedigrees of the calves revealed one common male ancestor. This bull appeared in the pedigrees of both the sire and dam of all the affected calves. The ataxia is postulated to be inherited as an autosomal recessive. The occurrence of ataxic calves ceased when bulls known to be carriers were removed from the herd. The anatomical basis for the condition was neuronal degeneration and cerebellar hypoplasia.
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