Vitamin D doses for alpacas (Lama pacos)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Nutrition
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is a concern in grazing livestock, particularly during winter.
• Adequate vitamin D status is essential for growth, bone health, and overall well-being in alpacas.
• Cholecalciferol (D3) is the primary form of vitamin D used for supplementation in animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different cholecalciferol (D3) dosages in maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels in young and adult female alpacas.
• To determine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on growth rates, plasma metabolites, and enzyme activity in alpacas.
• To establish optimal vitamin D3 supplementation protocols for alpacas in pasture-based systems.

Main Methods:

• A field study was conducted on alpacas (crias and adult females) in South Australia during winter and early spring.
• Animals received a single subcutaneous injection of 0, 1000, or 2000 IU/kg of cholecalciferol (D3).
• Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH D3), phosphorus, calcium, vitamins A and E, and alkaline phosphatase activity were monitored for 16 weeks.

Main Results:

• Crias without vitamin D supplementation exhibited reduced growth rates and one case of rickets.
• Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increased plasma 25-OH D3 and phosphorus concentrations in both crias and adult females.
• Body weight of mature females was not affected by vitamin D treatment, and alkaline phosphatase activity remained unchanged across groups.

Conclusions:

• A subcutaneous dose of 1000 IU D3/kg body weight is suggested for alpacas in southern Australia.
• Administering this dose to crias in late autumn and mid-winter, and to adult females in mid-winter, should effectively prevent vitamin D inadequacy.
• This supplementation strategy supports healthy growth and bone development in young alpacas and maintains adequate vitamin D status in adult females.