Multiple congenital malformation in a Simental female calf: a case report

Abstract

Congenital anomalies in offspring of natural breedings are often a result of environmental factors, genetic factors, or both. A 21-day-old male Simental female calf was submitted to our clinic with abnormal severe green mucoid nasal discharge from both nostrils. At necropsy, the calf showed multiple defects, including cleft palate, hydrocephalus, diphragmatic hernia and freemartinism. The cause of these anomalies could not be determined. This report is the first to describe these multiple malformations in a single calf.