Inheritance of beta-mannosidosis in goats.

Plasma levels of beta-mannosidase activity were measured in the phenotypically normal members of a family of goats in which 12 cases of beta-mannosidosis have been reported. Normal or carrier genotypes were assigned on the basis of these results, and mating tables drawn up. Similar data were collected on a number of other small families unrelated to the one with beta-mannosidosis. The results indicate that the plasma beta-mannosidase level is a reasonably good indicator of carrier status and confirm that the disease beta-mannosidosis is inherited in a recessive manner and is not X-linked.