Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Identification of Goitrogenic Agents
Which of the following is a "Goitrogenic agent"?
- Gossypol
- Glucosinolate — Correct Answer
- Mimosine
- All
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Glucosinolate
Glucosinolates are the classic goitrogenic agents. Found in plants of the Brassicaceae family (mustard, rapeseed, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip), they are hydrolyzed to goitrin (5-vinyloxazolidine-2-thione) and isothiocyanates, which interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, causing goitre.
Goitrogenic Agents — Classification
| Agent | Source | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosinolate → Goitrin | Brassica plants (mustard, rapeseed) | Blocks iodine organification in thyroid |
| Cyanide (HCN) | Not goitrogenic (causes different toxicity) | — |
Anti-Nutritional Factors — Quick Reference
| Anti-Nutritional Factor | Plant | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosinolate (goitrogen) | Brassica family plants | Iodine supplement |
| Gossypol | Cotton seed cake | FeSO₄ / Iron supplement |
| Mimosine | Subabool (Leucaena) | FeSO₄ / Iron supplement |
| Saponin | Lucerne (Alfalfa) | Mineral oil / Simethicone (Bloatosil) |
| Tannin | Babul seeds, Khejri | — |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Gossypol → cardiotoxic and reproductive toxin from cottonseed; not a goitrogen.
- Mimosine → from Subabool/Leucaena; causes hair loss and oesophageal lesions; not a goitrogen.
- All → only glucosinolate causes goitre; gossypol and mimosine have different toxicity mechanisms.
📚 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.
