Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Cause of Polioencephalomalacia
Cerebro-cortical necrosis (or polio-encephalo-malacia) in cattle is caused by deficiency of:
- Thiamine — Correct Answer
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Thiamine (Vitamin B₁)
Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) — also called Cerebrocortical Necrosis (CCN) — in cattle and sheep is caused by Thiamine (Vitamin B₁) deficiency. Thiamine is essential for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase — enzymes critical for brain energy metabolism.
Vitamin B₁ Deficiency Diseases by Species
| Species | Disease | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Cattle/Sheep (ruminants) | PEM / Cerebrocortical Necrosis (CCN) | Blindness, circling, convulsions, opisthotonus |
| Birds (poultry) | Polyneuritis | "Star-gazer" position — head drawn backward |
| Fish | Chastek paralysis | Due to thiaminase in raw fish |
Cause of PEM in Ruminants
- High grain diets → excess Thiaminase-producing bacteria in rumen → Thiamine destruction.
- Sulphur toxicity → also produces PEM by inhibiting Thiamine function.
- Treatment: Thiamine injection (IV/IM) at 10 mg/kg body weight.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Riboflavin (B₂) → causes "Curled toe paralysis" in chickens; not PEM in cattle.
- Vitamin C → deficiency causes Scurvy; not a ruminant brain disease.
- Vitamin A → deficiency causes "Nutritional roup" in poultry and night blindness in cattle; not PEM.
📚 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.
