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

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.

Experimental reproduction of congenital anomalies in the progeny of cows fed apple pomace during pregnancy

“…One of the calves showed lateral deviation of the thoracic spine, absence of coccygeal vertebrae, and malformation of the urogenital tract. Bending of the limbs was similar, but less severe than that observed in calves born of cows with natural intoxication with apple pomace (Wicpolt 2018, Wicpolt & Gava 2019. It is worth noting that in cases of natural intoxication, the apple pomace was of unknown origin and from different regions of the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.…”

“…It is characterized by presenting low DM and CP contents; however, it shows medium NDF content and can be an alternative energy source in the feeding of ruminants (Ribeiro Filho et al 2012). This by-product is often used to feed bovines and has been shown to cause osseous malformation in calves born of cows that ingested it during pregnancy (Wicpolt 2018, Wicpolt & Gava 2019.…”