How can one bull have such a big impact? A genetic mutation traced back to one of the most prolific bulls in history is thought to be responsible for an estimated 500,000 spontaneous abortions in Holstein cattle worldwide. Now that this mutation has been identified it can be tested for, allowing the problematic mutation to be avoided in future generations by using breeding technologies.
Image: Holstein cattle at the UC Davis Dairy Facility (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)