Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Cause of Penguin-like Squat
"Penguin-like squat" in the hen is due to deficiency of:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin $D_{3}$ — Correct Answer
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin A
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Vitamin D₃
A deficiency of Vitamin D₃ (Cholecalciferol) in laying hens causes a characteristic posture where the hen squats like a penguin — known as the "Penguin-like squat" posture — due to bone weakness and leg muscle paralysis from poor calcium metabolism.
Vitamin D Deficiency Diseases by Species
| Species | Deficiency Sign |
|---|---|
| Children | Rickets (soft/bent bones) |
| Adults | Osteomalacia (soft bones) |
| Laying hens | "Penguin-like squat" posture |
Vitamin D — Key Facts
- Other name: Cholecalciferol (D₃)
- Vitamin D acts as a hormone — synthesised in skin and causes Ca absorption through GIT
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (along with A, E, K)
- Vitamin D content is very high in hay (due to sun drying — UV light converts ergosterol to Vit D)
- Ca-regulating hormones: Calcitonin (↓Ca), PTH (↑Ca), Vit D₃ (intestinal Ca absorption)
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Vitamin C → deficiency causes Scurvy and "Pithed frog" condition in guinea pigs; not Penguin posture
- Vitamin B → Thiamine (B1) deficiency causes "Star gazer" position; B2 causes curled toe paralysis
- Vitamin A → deficiency causes "Nutritional roup" in poultry; not Penguin-like squat
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
