Abstract: Provided are methods, materials and kits for analyzing DNA samples from bovine to determine whether the animal is a recessive carrier of a genetic mutation that is associated with arthrogryposis multiplex (AM). DNA-containing samples are analyzed by genetic testing to determine whether or not a deletion mutation is present in one of the alleles that are responsible for the AM genetic mutation. In an aspect the deletion encompasses the entirety of the ISG15 ubiquitin-like modifier (ISG15) gene. In an aspect the deletion further encompasses one or both of the 5? regulatory region of the hairy and enhancer split 4 (HES4) and of the agrin (AGRN) gene and of the first two exons of the AGRN gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, materials and kits for analyzing DNA samples from bovine to determine whether the animal is a recessive carrier of a genetic mutation that is associated with tibial hemimelia. DNA-containing samples are analyzed by genetic testing to determine whether or not a deletion mutation is present in one of the alleles that encodes Aristaless-like4 (ALX4) protein, wherein the deletion mutation is associated with tibial hemimelia.