Nutritional myodegeneration in a group of Chianina heifers

A group of yearling Chianina heifers experienced abortion, stillbirth, and periparturient recumbency. Two heifers calved 3 to 4 weeks before their due date. Eight calves were stillborn or died within 48 hours after birth. Seven heifers died or were euthanatized. Necropsy and blood and tissue analyses revealed myodegeneration and a combined deficiency of vitamin E and selenium. Rapid growth in these heifers coupled with the stresses of late pregnancy and parturition may have contributed to this episode of nutritional myodegeneration.