Possibly the mom* was not in great shape either and thus not able to produce all the nutrients he needed. They mention he had persistent diarrhea, which could

Possibly the mom* was not in great shape either and thus not able to produce all the nutrients he needed. They mention he had persistent diarrhea, which could also be pretty detrimental without things like electrolyte solutions and antibiotics a child in a first world country would receive. * Maybe the buffalo? Article doesn't really say if it's cattle or carton.