Congenital abnormalities in production animals.

The increase in number of food-producing animals each year implies that even small prevalences of congenital anomalies in these ruminant species are still reflected in a significant number of affected animals born each year. It takes a specific investigation to show the true incidence of such congenital abnormalities. This article discusses recent research into several conditions to demonstrate the opportunities that exist for investigating such conditions both from a genetic and an environmental perspective.