Question

Pica is the symptom of deficiency of

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Copper
• D. Phosphorous

Hint:

Deficiency Manifestations:
Phosphorous Deficiency $\rightarrow$ PICA Osteophagia (chewing bones/stones) + Osteomalacia.
Iron Deficiency $\rightarrow$ Microcytic Anemia Thumps.
Zinc $\rightarrow$ Parakeratosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aphosphorosis (phosphorus deficiency) in grazing ruminants triggers depraved appetite (pica osteophagia), leading to secondary botulism risks.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Pica (Depraved Appetite Allotriophagia) in cattle and sheep:
- The pathognomonic clinical sign of chronic Phosphorous Deficiency (Aphosphorosis).
- Affected animals exhibit an abnormal craving and appetite to chew and ingest non-food items (bones [osteophagia], wood, stones, soil, rags, plastic).
- Ingestion of decomposing carcass bones in pastures often leads to fatal secondary Clostridium botulinum intoxication (Lamsiekte Botulism).
- Other signs of aphosphorosis include rickets in calves, osteomalacia in adults, and postpartum hemoglobinuria.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Pica is a symptom of Phosphorous deficiency, corresponding to option (D).