Deformed goat raises eyebrows

The birth of a goat with human-like features, like the one born on Friday, February 4, has been a common occurrence within recent times.{{more}}

But according to one veterinarian, this may be evidence of a serious underlying problem.

Veterinarian Dr Colin Boyle told SEARCHLIGHT that the phenomenon is linked to genetic abnormalities, which in turn are attributed to inbreeding or a chemical contamination of the animal’s food or water supply.

The latter theory, according to Dr Boyle, is worth investigating, as he noted that it is common practice for farmers to use deadly chemicals, for example gramoxone, on their farms.

“It would be nice for someone studying environmental science to do a thesis on the effects of some of these herbicides, which could wash into the animals’ food or water supply and then be ingested,” Boyle told SEARCHLIGHT.

He added that this practice could also mean harmful side effects for humans as well.

According to Boyle, perhaps there may be areas with high concentrations of cancer cases and may be worth investigating.

He also said that he was of the opinion that some of these harmful chemicals should be banned.

While acknowledging that he only identified two possible causes of the phenomenon, Boyle said that there were other probable causes for the mutation.

Improper breeding practices is a leading factor and, based on the numerous instances when Boyle said he was called in for such occurrences, this is linked to poor breeding programmes by some farmers.

While cases of buggery do exist, Boyle contended that it was impossible for a human sperm to fertilize the egg of an animal.

While attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, Boyle said that there were numerous complaints of persons who had sexual relations with goats, sheep and even cattle, but he reiterated that this would not lead to an animal being born with ‘human-like’ features.

“Scientifically, there is no way for a human sperm to fertilize an egg of an animal,” Boyle explained, adding that fertilization would only occur within the same species.

The physiological explanation given by Boyle was that a human sperm would not be able to penetrate the egg of the animal to allow for fertilization to take place. (DD)