3 legged calf. genetics or fluke

[Chap]

Calf born without hind leg below the hock.  the other hind leg is deformed at the hoof.  enlarge the pic and look hard.  i drug him through the mud b4 the picture and he blends in with the driveway.  by best estimate this calf was born about 21 days early.  is clean of TH and PHA genetics.  Cyrus (wmw x cigar) x Maine/Sim herd bull on a sim/angus cow.  about 65 lbs.  born alive, i had to put it down as it was obviously not able to stand or nurse. 
Have had 3 calf crops out of this bull with no problems previously.

Is this a genetic trait that I should be concerned about or simply one of those fluke rare occurrences?

 

[Shady Lane]

Years ago my cousin had a calf that was born similar to this one and they actually raised it and slaughtered it eventually, it got around quite well on 3 leggs believe it or not. The "stump" swung in time to the other legs movement.

 

[forbes family farms]

I had one born like that from a show heifer last year. When you find out if its genetic or fluke will you PLEASE let me know. Thanks!

 

[Chap]

I had one born like that from a show heifer last year. When you find out if its genetic or fluke will you PLEASE let me know. Thanks!

what was the breeding on the calf you had last year that was similar?  I am curious to know if there are common ancestors.  that would help to answer the original question. 

 

[Show Heifer]

Please take an ear notch from ALL defective calves.... just in case. If there is a pedigree in common, and no DNA available, then all is useless. SO, please take a ear notch of all defect calves!!

 

[hamburgman]

my uncle had one a few years ago also, we ate him and called him tripod!

 

[forbes family farms]

my mistake my cow had a calf born with an extra leg not 3 legs 5 legs