Hypotrichosis Congenita (KRT71 Mutation) in Hereford Cattle in Uruguay

Hypotrichosis congenita in Hereford cattle in Uruguay, caused by the KRT71 mutation, results in a sparse, thin, curly or woolly haircoat and dry, erythematous, scaly skin. The study examined five affected newborn calves from one farm and one weaned calf from another, using skin biopsies, hair samples, and blood samples for analysis. Histopathological findings included follicular dysplasia, large trichohyaline granules, and melanin aggregates, with no dermatitis lesions. DNA analysis confirmed the affected calves were homozygous for the KRT71 mutation, while some control animals were heterozygous carriers. This condition is identified as a color dilution follicular dysplasia.