DUMPS / Uridine monophosphate synthase deficiency (UMPS-related) - Cattle

DUMPS and UMPS deficiency in cattle

This DNA test examines the UMPS variant c.1213C>T that causes DUMPS. DUMPS stands for Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase and is also known as UMPS deficiency or HHD. It is an inherited metabolic disorder in which the UMPS enzyme does not function sufficiently.

Why does DUMPS matter?

• Embryonic death: animals with two copies of the variant are not viable and embryos typically die early in gestation.
• Carriers: carriers look normal but can pass the variant to offspring.
• Breeding impact: carrier x carrier matings create a risk of embryonic loss and can lead to cows returning to service after insemination.

Practical value of this test

The result clarifies whether a bovine is clear, a carrier or has the genetically affected genotype. For breeders, carrier detection is especially important: avoiding carrier pairings helps reduce DUMPS-related embryonic loss while still allowing valuable carrier animals to be used responsibly in a breeding programme.