Question

'Fatty liver and kidney' syndrome is caused by a deficiency of which one of the following vitamins?

• A. Cyanocobalamin
• B. Biotin
• C. Folacin
• D. Pyridoxine

Hint:

Avian Vitamin Deficiency Syndromes:
Biotin Deficiency $\rightarrow$ Fatty Liver and Kidney Syndrome (FLKS) + Footpad Dermatitis.
Choline Deficiency $\rightarrow$ Fatty Liver Syndrome + Perosis.
Riboflavin $\rightarrow$ Curled-toe paralysis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Avian nutritional pathology: biotin deficiency impairs pyruvate carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, causing lethal hepatic lipidosis and hypoglycemia in young broiler chicks.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Biotin Deficiency} \implies \downarrow \text{Pyruvate Carboxylase} \implies \text{Gluconeogenesis Failure} + \text{Fatty Liver \& Kidney Syndrome (FLKS)} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Fatty Liver and Kidney Syndrome (FLKS) in broiler chickens:
- A nutritional metabolic disease of young, fast-growing broiler chicks (3 to 5 weeks old).
- Caused by a dietary deficiency of Biotin (Vitamin $\text{B}_7 / \text{Vitamin H}$).
- Biotin is the essential prosthetic cofactor for pyruvate carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Its deficiency halts hepatic gluconeogenesis during sudden stress/starvation, causing fatal hypoglycemia and massive accumulation of triglycerides in the liver and renal tubular epithelium ('pale, swollen fatty liver and kidneys').

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Fatty liver and kidney syndrome is caused by a deficiency of Biotin, corresponding to option (B).