What does TH genetic defect mean in cattle?

TH genetic defect, or Tibial Hemimelia, is a congenital condition in cattle characterized by the partial or complete absence of the tibia, leading to severe limb deformities and other skeletal abnormalities. This defect is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for a calf to be affected. Affected animals typically do not survive long after birth due to the significant challenges posed by their condition. Genetic testing can help identify carriers and reduce the incidence of TH in breeding programs.