Descriptive study of congenital anomalies encountered in ruminants in Elazig region of Turkey / Estudio descriptivo de anomalías congénitas encontradas en rumiantes en la región de Elazig en Turquía

RESUMEN

Abstract Congenital malformations are abnormalities of structure, formation or function observable at birth that causes great economic losses in livestock industry. In this study, we describe the incidence of the main congenital anomalies encountered in the last year (June 2020-June 2021) in ruminants from Elazig region according to species, breed, age and sex, number of pregnancies, rectal examination, and method of conception employed. A total of 79 congenital anomalies encountered in 73 animals during this study were evaluated. Of 73 animals most of congenital anomalies were calves (84.93%) and males (68.49%). It was determined that the most common type of congenital anomaly in calves was hernia umbilicalis (21.51%) while in lambs and goat kids was atresia ani. Most of these anomalies were formed in the abdominal wall and organs of gastrointestinal system (46.84%). Congenital anomalies in calves and lambs were more frequently when they came from the first pregnancy of their dams, while in goat kids when their dam had the second pregnancy. Most of small ruminant that had congenital anomalies came from dams with multiple gestation. Rectal examinations performed in cattle during the early stages of gestation was probably one of a predisposing factor for the formation of congenital malformations in this specie. More studies that include the participation of diagnostic laboratories are needed to improve the characterization of congenital anomalies that contribute to the implementation of preventive and control measures in the herds of these species in our region.