DEFICIENCY DISEASES

Animals may suffer from diseases caused by deficiencies of energy and proteins, mineral nutrients and vitamins, which generally occur either due to deficiency in the diet or abnormal absorption, utilization or requirement of the nutrients. Type of soil, plants and vegetation, farming and feeding practices, and physiological status of animal are important predisposing factors. Climatic conditions and genetic variables also influence occurrence of deficiency diseases.   Usually deficiencies under natural conditions are complicated by other factors and their diagnosis may not be simple.