A long-term study of the effects of SLC12A1 homozygous mutation (g.62382825G>A, p.Pro372Leu) in Japanese Black cattle

Recessive missense mutation in the solute carrier family 12, member 1 (SLC12A1) gene (g. 62382825G>A) is associated with hydrallantois, which is the accumulation of fluid in the allantoic cavity of a pregnant animal, and usually causes fetal death in Japanese Black cattle. However, the symptoms of a homozygote with this mutation that do not result in fetal death have not previously been tracked and evaluated. In the present study, we observed a homozygote with the SLC12A1 risk allele over a long-term period. The calf did not show any obvious clinical symptoms, although it did exhibit a slight growth retardation that accompanied mild calciuria. At 28 months of age, the homozygote showed renal dysfunction, which in turn resulted in hydronephrosis. The time course of the symptoms was consistent with the phenotype of Bartter syndrome in humans. Additionally, the risk heterozygous genotype did not any effects on carcass traits, which indicates that eliminating the risk allele would not have any unfavorable effects. Therefore, we emphasize that both the fetal- and latestage symptoms associated with the SLC12A1 risk allele compromise animal welfare, and consequently may result in severe economic losses for individual farmers if the SLC12A1 risk allele is not eliminated from the population.