Congenital skeletal malformations in Holstein calves associated with putative manganese deficiency

Holstein calves (n = 47) with a dwarf-like appearance, joint laxity, superior brachygnathism and domed foreheads were born to heifers on natural grazing on the same farm. Six calves, between one week and 3 months of age, were euthanased. Marginally low concentrations of manganese were found in the livers, while high strontium concentrations were confirmed in soil, plants and grass specimens from the pasture, as well as in the bone ash of the ribs of 2 calves. Microscopical lesions in growth plates included irregularly aligned and shorter columns of chondrocytes and a reduction in width of the zone of hypertrophy when compared to a normal calf. This syndrome closely resembled a previously described chondrodystrophy in neonatal calves, attributed to a maternal manganese deficiency. Seepage from sea water evaporation pans on an adjacent farm was believed to have resulted in leaching of manganese from the soil and to be the source of the high levels of strontium. The cause of the skeletal defects is believed to be maternal manganese deficiency, complicated by an unknown factor.