Incidence of Congenital Malformations in Ruminants in the North Eastern Region of Nigeria

A Survey on the incidence of congenital malformations of the ruminants was conducted from Jan. 2001 - April 2002. The specimens collected were grossly examined and either dissected or radiographed. A total of 11 cases of malformations were recorded, out of which 5 (45.5%) were of ovine species, 4 (36.4%) cases from caprine and 2 cases (18.2%) were from bovine species. Seven of the cases were found in fetuses while 2 cases each were observed in full term and postnatal respectively. The deformities observed were those of the limbs (36.36%), craniofacial defects (18.18%), postural defects (18.18%) and abnormal twinning (27.27%). It was concluded that inadequate nutritional requirement may be responsible for the animals feeding on any available materials including toxic plants. A study on phytoteratogens is suggested so as to identify the existing ones within the study area.