Topics:
Animal Refresher, Meat Science
Disease in Pigs Due to Prolonged Fish Meal Feeding
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Question (English)
Prolonged feeding of pigs on fish meal may lead to:
- White muscle disease
- Mulberry heart disease
- Brown fat disease ✓ Correct
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Brown fat disease
Brown fat disease (Steatitis / Yellow fat disease) in pigs results from prolonged feeding on fish meal or fish offals that are rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These PUFAs undergo oxidative rancidity in body tissues, causing brown discolouration of adipose tissue due to accumulation of ceroid pigment.
Key Facts about Brown Fat Disease
- Also called: Steatitis or Yellow fat disease.
- Cause: Excess dietary PUFAs (from fish meal) + Vitamin E deficiency.
- Grossly: Adipose tissue appears brown/yellow and firm.
- Prevention: Reduce fish meal in diet; supplement Vitamin E and selenium.
Differentiating Similar Diseases in Pigs
| Disease | Cause | Species mainly affected |
|---|---|---|
| Brown fat disease | Excess fish meal / PUFA + Vit E deficiency | Pigs, Cats, Mink |
| White muscle disease | Selenium & Vitamin E deficiency | Calves, Lambs, Foals |
| Mulberry heart disease | Vitamin E & Selenium deficiency | Pigs (young rapidly growing) |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- White muscle disease → caused by Se/Vit E deficiency mainly in ruminants, not linked to fish meal.
- Mulberry heart disease → Vit E/Se deficiency in pigs, not caused by fish meal feeding.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Meat Science. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
