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What is G-6-S??
By , Jekuthiel's Nubians
The full name for G-6-S is:
Glucosamine-6-Sulfatase Deficiency or Caprine Mucopolysaccharidosis-IIID
It was first discovered in Nubians by Michigan State University in the 1980's.
This is a simple recessive gene (meaning goats with only one copy appear normal) that can be breed out in a few generations.
There are Affected (has two copies of the defective gene & has symptoms), Carriers (has one copy of the defective and one copy of the normal gene & no symptoms), and then we have the Normal (has two copies of the normal gene) goats.
Symptoms of Affected animals can include:
* Small Stature
* Lack of Muscling
* Immune System Problems
* Heart Problems
* Reproductive Problems
* Death by 3 to 4 years of age
Here's an example of how this works:
Let's say the affected gene is an "X" and a normal gene's a "Y".
Affected goats would have two X's (XX)
Carriers goats would have an "X" & a "Y" (XY)
Normal goats have two Y's (YY)
Parents give one of their two genes to their kids.
SO.......
An Affected (XX) bred to an Affected (XX) will produce:
100% Affected (XX)
An Affected (XX) bred to a Carriers (XY) will produce:
50% Affected (XX) -- 50% Carriers (XY)
A Carriers (XY) bred to a Carriers (XY) will produce:
25% Affected (XX) -- 50% Carriers (XY) -- 25% Normal (YY)
A Carriers (XY) bred to a Normal (YY) will produce:
50% Carriers (XY) -- 50% Normal (YY)
A Normal (YY) bred to a Normal (YY) will produce:
100% Normal (YY)
The "ideal" breeding system is to only use Normal bucks & Normal does. But since the cost of the test ($35 per test) can be expensive for most farms ... I would recommend at least getting your bucks tested. Then only use Normal bucks. If you do have a Carrier buck that you want to use. You will need to test does that you want to breed him to and only use Normal does with him. Then test kids (or at least intact bucks) from breedings that the dam or sire is a Carrier.
This is what I have done. I've had my buck tested and he tested Normal, so I will only use Normal bucks and test any intact buckling I plan on selling and only sell ones that test Normal. Then when I have enough money to test my does, too, and know their status I'll be able to test less because you can't get Carriers or Affected from Normal parents. :-)
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G-6-S testing:
All samples must be accompanied by a submission form (http://tvmdlweb.tamu.edu/forms/interactive%20Cash%20Sale.pdf) and payment.
Current pricing for G-6-S testing is $30/in state or $35/out of state. (please check website for updated info)
You need 1-2 ml EDTA blood (whole blood in a purple top tube) or 2 straws of semen to do this test.
When shipping from Canada, it is advisable to first obtain a copy of TVMDL's import permit for blood samples.
Make sure you check out their shipping regulations on their website, too!
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More Information:
The TVMDL website http://tvmdlweb.tamu.edu/
(Choose "Testing" from the menu at the top of the screen, then Molecular Diagnostics under Fee Schedule to the left. It is listed as G6S mutation, Caprine.)
Direct link to TVMDL contact information page to get more info.
You can view a listing of G-6-S tested Nubians on NubianTalk. It's NOT a complete list as it is only as complete as the number of people who enter the results of their goats. Many breeders don't even test for it, or aren't willing to sacrifice 2 straws of their 'rare' semen to find out the status of the older bucks.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NubianTalk/database
You will need to join the list and then select "Nubian listing for G6S testing" under the Database section.
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