When calves aren't born alive....it affects a producer's bottom line.

Ag. Reporter Sarah Gustin explains what ranchers can do to make sure a genetic disorder doesn't affect their herd.

We would like to warn you some viewers may find the images in this story distrubing.

Any producer would have to agree...this isn't a sight you want to see. (Dr. David Buchanan / Animal Geneticist) "The curly calf results curly not coming from the hair, which alot of people think intially. The actual condition of the spine. It is a nural defect and the calves are going to be born dead or dying." Researchers believe Arthroryposis (Arthro-rye-posis) Multiplex, more commonly known as curly calf syndrome is caused by a simple recessive gene

It can cause calves to be stillborn with twisted spines

About two years ago the genetic defect was identified within the Angus breed

Since then the association has undergone major testing to identify animals that could be carriers

(Dr. David Buchanan / Animal Geneticist) "You have to assume that at least many of the cattle that haven't been tested haven't been tested because there is no pedigrees to suspect it. So you can't zero in exactly on what the frequency is, but bazed on the informatoni that is available to us right now I am going to guess between 4 and 10 percent of Angus cattle are actually carriers of this." Animal Geneticist David Buchanan says so far about 100-thousand Angus cattle have been tested

Buchanan says fewer than 30-thousand have been carriers of the defect

(Dr. David Buchanan / Animal Geneticist) "If the implicated bulls are not in the pedigree, the likelyhood of it being a carrier is essentially zero." Buchanan says with calving season around the corner he says it's important to be on the lookout and to be checking your pedigrees

(Dr. David Buchanan / Animal Geneticist) "It's important not to be in a panic, now it can be financially a problem, certainly. But it isn't a time to immediately start selling cows, it's a time to assess where the problem is, the degree to which the problem exists and figure out how to manage your way out of it." In Bismarck for KX News, I am Sarah Gustin.

Buchanan says the test is quick, inexpensive and accurate. He says it costs between 25 and 30 dollars and results are back within about 3 weeks. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list