Question:

Characteristic ‘goose-stepping’ gait in pigs occurs due to deficiency of -

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Goose-stepping in pigs is a classic, highly specific board-exam question. Always link it to Vitamin \(\text{B}_5\) (Pantothenic acid) deficiency.
  • Thiamine
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Riboflavin
  • Tocopherol
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In swine nutrition, deficiencies of specific B-complex vitamins can cause localized demyelination of peripheral nerves, leading to characteristic locomotor deficits.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. "Goose-stepping" is a distinctive clinical sign in growing pigs where they lift their hind legs high in a stiff, military-style gait.
2. This neurological sign is caused by a deficiency of Pantothenic acid (Vitamin \(\text{B}_5\)).
3. Pantothenic acid is an essential precursor of Coenzyme A (CoA), which is required for fatty acid and myelin synthesis.
4. Deficiency leads to progressive sciatic nerve degeneration and demyelination, causing the characteristic gait.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct option is 2, which corresponds to Pantothenic acid.
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