The Deer-Cow

This vintage picture shows an unusual calf from Edinburg, Indiana. The calf is nine months old, out of an Angus cow. It has unusually small, fine legs.

The farmer suggested the sire might be a wild deer, but this explanation is not plausible as these two species are two genetically different species, unable to breed and produce offspring.

To be honest, at this point, I am not sure. Here are some possibilities and I would welcome any input or other suggestions:

Fawn Calf Syndrome: this is a genetic abnormality in Angus cattle also known as contractural arachnodactyly. It was first recognized in 2001, which would be long after this photograph was taken. It produces calves that are behaviorally normal but have long, skinny legs with poor muscle tone.

The name of the condition suggests a general similarity of appearance and 'deer-like' legs. For comparison you can see some pictures fawn calf syndrome calves here, which shows that their appearance is somewhat variable. Generally fawn calves become more outwardly normal and "fill out" as they age.

Acorn Calves: Another possibility might be chondrodysplasia (also known as Acorn calves) which produces calves with shortened front legs. However calves with this condition are generally not as mobile and vigorous as the calf shown above.

Neither of these conditions would explain why the calf seems to be partially hairless.

• Cave JG., McLaren PJ. Whittaker SJ, Rast L, Stephens A and Parker EM. 2008. An extended outbreak of congenital chondrodysplasia in calves in South East Australia. AVJ Vol 86
• Deholm, L. Congeital contractural arachnodactyly in Angus cattle. NSW Industry and Government PrimeFact Periodical 1-4, 2010.
• Whitlock BK. Heritable Birth Defects in Cattle. Applied Reproductive Strategies Conference Proceedings. Nashville, TN 2010. 146-151.
• Whitlock BK, Kaiser L, and Maxwell HS. Heritable bovine fetal abnormalities. Theriogenology 2008;70:535-549.