Dairy and Continental X heifers should be at least 340 and 360 kg respectively at mating. Use easy-calving bulls. Cu or Se can cause the birth of small weak calves. Severe Mn deficiency is a specific cause of dwarfism, with chondrodystrophy, joint laxity, superior brachygnathism and domed foreheads. This is very rare in Ireland.
Inherited dwarfism can arise in certain breeds and lines.
Bovine inherited spinal muscular atrophy also occurs in certain breeds and lines. It manifests as a progressive ataxia, weakness, muscle atrophy and recumbency in calves 0-2 weeks old. Some calves may be stillborn. The main lesion is degeneration of the ventral horn neurons of the spinal cord. If lab tests confirm a deficiency in dry cows, supplementation of the affected group of neonates with the relevant trace elements and vitamins can quickly verify the clinical significance of the deficiency.