Multiple congenital defects in a female calf: a case report

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Congenital anomalies in livestock can significantly impact animal health and welfare.
• Multiple, co-occurring defects in a single animal are rare and present diagnostic challenges.
• Understanding the etiology of complex congenital conditions is crucial for prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document a unique case of a female calf exhibiting a combination of severe congenital anomalies.
• To investigate the potential causes, particularly genetic factors, contributing to the observed tetragenic effects.
• To contribute to the understanding of developmental disorders in bovines.

Main Methods:

• Detailed clinical examination and necropsy of a female calf presenting with multiple malformations.
• Histopathological examination of affected tissues.
• Review of the animal's pedigree and breeding history to assess potential genetic predispositions.

Main Results:

• The calf displayed arthrogryposis, supernumerary incisor teeth, a ventral abdominal hernia, tibial hemimelia, and nonunion of the Müllerian ducts.
• This specific combination of anomalies appears to be unprecedented in a single bovine.
• The dam and sire were closely related, and a history of tetragenic factors was noted, supporting a genetic etiology.

Conclusions:

• The co-occurrence of these diverse anomalies in one calf highlights the complexity of developmental processes.
• A strong genetic basis, likely exacerbated by inbreeding, is suspected as the primary cause.
• This case underscores the importance of genetic screening and careful breeding practices in preventing congenital defects in cattle.