[Jacob-list] Lamb is missing something...

[Neal and Louise Grose]

"Cryptorchidism" is indeed genetic. It is related to genetic hernias but
normally refers to ONE testicle that has not descended. Where one descends
and the other does not, the body can produce antibodies that attach the
undescended testicle. In regular breeds, it is considered unethical to
surgically correct breeding males in order for them to pass health tests and
compete in shows.

OK. Here's the rub. I have seen two cases of this in our flock about twelve
years ago. One was a single cryptorchidism and one was a double. Both of
these rams were the products of outcrossing bloodlines. After fairly
intensive inbreeding in the time since then, I have seen none. I am NOT
suggesting that we inbreed to eliminate this. I suspect that cyptorchidism
may occur spontaneously in the population at times, and these rams should
not be used for breeding.

Neal Grose
Harmony, NC

"It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers." James
Thurber