Object of the Month

The two-headed calf

This two-headed calf is from a farm in Herefordshire. It is very rare for animals born with this genetic mutation to live more than a few minutes. This calf lived for several days before it died. The genetic mutation is a product of intensive farming methods, where animals are bred so intensively that their gene pool becomes smaller and their genes weaker which allows mutations like the two faces to appear.

Once upon a time rural folk believed this was the act of fairies who were having their revenge on farmers who did not pay enough respect to the fairy folk. Farmers used to put out bowls of milk and other offerings in the hope that the fairies would leave them alone.

Last Updated: 10 November 08,
Review Date: 20 September 2005