Seven-legged calf is born in Denmark… but tragically dies within minutes

Tragedy struck in a Danish village when a dairy farmer went to deliver a new calf, and discovered that while in the womb it had grown too many legs.

The unusual calf was born with seven legs and an open and exposed stomach, and did not walk or feed in the few minutes before it died.

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Nicknamed Septem - Latin for seven - by the farmer, the calf was born in Olstrup in Denmark after a difficult labour in which the farmer and his entire family had to pitch in to help deliver it.

Martin Nilsson, the son of the farmer who owns the cow which gave birth to the tragic animal, said: "This is the first time we have experienced such a thing."

According to local veterinarian Edvard Finnerup the calf probably started out in the womb as Siamese twins which grew together.

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The process, which is incredibly rare, is called cephalothoracopagus and is similar to the process which leads to the birth of Siamese twins.

He said: "It is incredibly unusual that a calf is born with seven legs. I have practiced veterinary medicine since 1985, and I've never seen anything like it."

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Despite the calf’s tragic death and the traumatic nature of its birth, it’s mother is recovering well

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"After just ten minutes it stood up and was then eating again", said farmer Martin Nilsson.

This is just the latest in a number of horrific mutations appearing all over the world.