Calf In China Born With Two Heads
The rare genetic mutation known as axial bifurcation (having two heads) can affect both animals and people. Although a developmental flaw often seen in reptiles and turtles, Mother Nature whacks her way into other species, including cows and human beings. In China, for the second documented time in four years, a two-headed cow has been born, causing a grandmother to pass out when she first laid eyes on the newborn calf.
The birth occurred in Gaoyang village, northern China’s Hebei Province at Dong Yubao’s farm.
“My wife and a neighbor were in the barn to help the cow through labor. The calf came out – heads first – and my wife fell to the floor when she saw the two heads and four eyes,” Dong told the press.
The cow had given birth many times before and all of the calves had been healthy and normal. It is not known what caused this anomaly.
The animal’s two heads have their own set of facial features but share three ears only. Both of the heads face almost opposite directions and the calf cannot yet stand by itself. It is being fed with sheep’s milk at the present time.
It is not known if this calf will survive and if indeed that is the best solution.
Check out the startling video below depicting this bizarre accident of birth in different species.
(Link)
By MDeeDubroff on 10-05-2011
