Brief Communication: Dietary Vitamin D3 Influence on Serum 25-OH Vitamin D Concentrations in Captive Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps)

A pilot study was performed to investigate the impact of dietary vitamin D on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) metabolite concentrations in sugar gliders, Petaurus breviceps), was conducted with diets containing 0, 0.2 (low), or 0.4 (moderate) IU vitamin D3 per gram dry matter fed to adults at 2 locations. Serum 25[OH]D concentrations did not differ between animals fed produce only (no added vitamin D either D2 or D3) for 3 weeks (8.83 ± 0.98 nmol/L), n=6, or low dietary levels (7.86 ± 3.80 nmol/L), n=7, continuously for multiple years.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research