Osseous malformation in calves and its relationship with ingestion of apple pomace in pregnant cows

• Main Authors: Nathalia S. Wicpolt, Aldo Gava
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colégio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal (CBPA)
• Series: Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira
• Subjects: Malformação óssea; bezerros; ingestão; bagaço de maçã; vacas prenhes; bovinos; patologia
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-736X2019000500304&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT: Three outbreaks of osseous malformation in claves born of cows fed apple pomace throughout pregnancy are described. This study was carried out from historical surveys on properties where apple pomace was used in cattle feeding. The outbreaks occurred in the municipalities of Lages, Santa Catarina state, from 2007 to 2012, and Ipê, Rio Grande do Sul state, from 2011 to 2012. These calves presented bone deformity characterized mainly by arthrogryposis and chondrodysplasia of the anterior limbs. At necropsy, the observed changes were restricted to bending and thickening of the anterior limbs and skull. Microscopically, a disorganized, irregular, misaligned hypertrophic zone was observed in the humeral-radio-ulnar joints, in addition to absence of growth zone, thin bone trabeculae, and closed epiphyseal growth plate.