Title
Assessment of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Two Collections of Captive Gorillas (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla)
Author(s)
Bartlett, S. L.;Chen, T. C.;Murphy, H.;Holick, M. F.;Tlusty, M.;Baitchman, E.
Published
2017
Publisher
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Abstract
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were assessed in subadult to adult captive lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla) (n = 26) at two institutions with different husbandry and management practices. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) concentrations for gorillas managed predominantly indoors was low (14.2 +/- 6 5.9 ng/ml), despite consuming commercial biscuits fortified with vitamin D-3. Concentrations of 25(OH) D in gorillas with near daily outdoor access were significantly higher than gorillas managed indoors, although many individuals still had serum values below concentrations recommended for adult humans. Consideration should be given to assessing 25(OH) D concentrations in all captive gorillas and providing specific supplementation, particularly to juveniles without access to direct sunlight.
Keywords
25-Hydroxyvitamin D;cholecalciferol;Gorilla gorilla gorilla;primate;vitamin D;vitamin-d deficiency;circulating concentration;d metabolites;Veterinary Sciences
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PUB22220