[Jacob-list] SUED - Info request

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

Fred Horak writing...with a copy to myself...so that if you decide to help 
you can send information without going thru the list if you want anonymity.

I am trying to understand the PROBABLE genetics of SUED and I need 
help...lots of help.

There is virtually nothing in the literature about the genetics of SUED.  It 
seems to be recessive, more often observed in 4horn than 2horn,  more often 
reported in rams than ewes although ewes can have SUED.

ENGLAND: The SUED condition has been noted for 20-25 years.  Some 
observations were reported by Lawrence Alderson with whom I have had some 
correspondence, Watson and Henson...all from England and involved with 
polycerate sheep (Jacobs, Hebridean, etc).  The observations of SUED in 
England are not very conclusive because of the limited observations, the 
non-reporting of defects (it affects registration of animals) and the clear 
objective of Jacob Sheep Society (1969) members to breed away from any 
evidence of SUED.

NORTH AMERICA: Two articles on SUED appeared in the Journal of the JSC; 
(1)citing the literature from England and their observations (March 2000) and 
(2) alerting breeders to SUED with pictures of the SUED condition and 
occipital orbit picture showing the skull; courtesy and contributions by 
Diane and Janine and Peter Spellmeyer.  The articles primarily were directed 
to watching for it, breeding away from it and sharing info on SUED.

OPINION: The occurance of SUED may not be as rare as it seems.  Some possible 
reasons: (1) many Jacobs submitted for "registration" do not have SUED or eye 
grade reported, (2) SUED Jacobs get bonked or sold as "culls", (3) breeders 
do not know what it is or do not look for it or how to look for it, (4) 
greater focus on the SUED progeny than on both parents or complete pedigree, 
combinations of the above and other reasons(?).  End of OPINION.

TWO CURRENT CASES AT POINT: In the last six weeks, two parties have reported 
a rather high incidence of SUED, grades 2-4 in their 4horn lambs; one flock 
3/7 the other 2/6...say 30% SUED. The sires and dams are reported clear; 
sires are both 4horn, dams are 2 and 4horn.  These two flock cases reflect 
aspects and ratios of SUED similar to that reported in England but are not of 
sufficient numbers to draw any clearer indication of probable cause.  

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: In order to gain further insight into the possible 
genetic cause, a population of SUED Jacob progeny and their pedigrees AND/OR 
Jacob SUED parents (sire or dam or both) are needed.  Breeding results and 
breeding pair information is needed whether any are registered or not.  The 
names are not important but using "coded" names requires consistency in using 
the "codes". If the disposition of a SUED Jacob is known, that would be 
informational as to practice but not necessary as to genetic cause.

SUED for purposes of this inquiry would be an eye score of #2 - #4.  

(1) PROGENY with SUED: If you have seen a case of SUED in your flock (still 
there, bonked or culled) and know the parents, grandparents and great grand 
parents; would you be willing to share that information even anonymously.   
The information needed at a minimum is the sex, number of horns and the SUED 
eye grade for each progeny AND a pedigree with dam and sire including for 
each: number of horns and eye score for each even if CLEAR or grade #1. 

(2) RAMS or EWES with SUED: If you have rams or ewes with SUED do you have 
progeny records that reflect all the progeny from such a pair.  That is if 
one or the other has SUED or both have SUED; describe the progeny by sex, 
number of horns and eye score.  Progeny without SUED as well as SUED are 
needed.

DATA BASES: Data bases were run for any reports of SUED (coded 2 thru 4) to 
look for evidence of genetic cause by pedigree.  (1) JSC data base had three 
cases out of 4500 records. (2) access to the JSBA data base requires a vote 
of the membership so for all practical purposes that is not available (3) the 
AMBC book which has been corrected and put in a data base format did not 
include any eye score info. (4) the JSS in England only registers 1's and 
1a's so there is no record of SUED; if it appears, it gets sent to the 
"abbatoir".  

THUS, I ask you for your help and the help of others that you think might be 
able to help.  It isn't an easy task but may be worth some time and effort.  
If you have a package that you wish to send by mail; the address is:
Fred Horak
1165 E. Lusa Road
Lucas, TX  75002

THANK YOU for taking the time to read and consider this issue.  If anyone has 
any insight into the probable genetic cause, please offer same.

Fred Horak