Incomplete reduction of branchial clefts in Mutton Merino lambs

Journal of the South African Veterinary Association

Gareth F. Bath¹  Rhoda Leask¹  Kenneth P. Pettey¹ 

[1] Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria;

关键词: Sheep;    Ovine;    Branchial arches;    Branchial clefts;    Genetic defects;    Congenital defects;    Congenital malformations;   

DOI  :  10.4102/jsava.v85i1.964

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Congenital malformations of the branchial arches, clefts and grooves have not been previously reported in sheep. These defects may be due to infectious agents (especially viruses), toxins or genetic abnormalities. Defects were reported in two of a set of quadruplet lambs born prematurely to an eight-tooth Mutton Merino ewe. The lambs weighed between 2.0 kg and 2.5 kg; this is below the normal expected birth weight of 3.5 kg for quadruplet lambs, below which viability is compromised. The firstborn lamb was severely affected by bilateral oroauricular fistulae. The second lamb was unilaterally affected on the right, less severely than the first. The third lamb was normal and the fourth was mummified. The occurrence of another case in this small flock almost a decade earlier indicates that there could be genetic involvement.

【 授权许可】

Unknown