Effects of vitamin or mineral deficiency on the morphology of medullary bone in laying hens.

Adult laying hens were fed diets deficient in phosphorus, calcium, calcium and phosphorus, and vitamin D3 to determine their effects on bone histology and parathyroid gland size. The phosphorus deficient diet caused an insignificant decrease in parathyroid size while the other diets caused significant increases. A considerable amount of individual variation in medullary bone volume and osteoid seam width was observed in all groups but, despite this, the calcium, calcium and phosphorus and vitamin D3 deficient diets clearly resulted in increased osteoid. Birds receiving diets deficient in calcium and phosphorus, and in vitamin D3 for longer periods were observed to have partially or completely resorbed medullary bone. Osteodystrophia fibrosa was noted in vitamin D3 deficient birds which had no follicular activity.     

Trace element supplementation of sheep: evaluation of various copper supplements and a soluble glass bullet containing copper, cobalt and selenium

The effect of 5 different copper supplements on copper status of Merino sheep at pasture was examined. Transient increases in plasma copper concentrations occurred following treatment with copper calcium EDTA, copper sulphate, and glass bullets impregnated with copper, cobalt and selenium, but these increases were not considered to be a reliable indication of changes in liver copper reserves. Sheep receiving the glass bullet or 2.5 g oxidised copper wire particles orally or 50 mg copper as copper calcium EDTA parenterally had liver copper concentrations significantly greater than those of untreated sheep for periods up to 51 weeks. Oral doses of 30 mg copper as copper oxychloride, or 300 mg copper as copper sulphate did not alter the liver copper reserves at any stage. The bodyweight and greasy fleece weights were not significantly altered by any of the copper supplements. Plasma vitamin B12 concentrations in sheep given the glass bullet were increased for about 5 months. Thereafter increased plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were observed in all sheep. Blood selenium concentrations were also high during the experiment thereby preventing the evaluation of the glass bullet as a source of selenium.     

Seasonal interaction of serum vitamin D concentration and bone density in alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate temporal changes in bone mineral density associated with seasonal variation in serum vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations in alpacas. ANIMALS: 5 healthy mature neutered male alpacas. PROCEDURE: Metacarpal bone mineral density was measured at 4 times during a year. Each time alpacas were weighed, blood was collected for determination of serum calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D concentrations, and samples of feed were analyzed for nutrient content. Vitamin D status was determined by use of an assay that measured serum 25-hydroxycalciferol concentration. Effects of changes in serum vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus concentration and body weight with season on bone mineral density were determined. RESULTS: Bone mineral density, body weight, and serum vitamin D and phosphorus concentrations varied with season. Bone mineral density, serum vitamin D concentration, and body weight also varied among individual alpacas. Serum vitamin D concentration was lower in January than the previous October and increased from May to the following September. The decrease in bone mineral density lagged behind the decrease in serum vitamin D concentration and was lower in May, compared with the previous October. Body weight was lower in May than the previous October or following September. Solar radiation was highest in July and lowest in December. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Seasonal changes in bone mineral density are associated with changes in serum vitamin D concentrations in alpacas. Changes in bone mineral density associated with a decline in serum vitamin D concentration may predispose some alpacas to developing fractures minimal trauma.     

The hypocalcemic response to protamine as a measure of bone resorption

The heparin antagonist protamine inhibits bone resorption. In the present study protamine was given i.v. at a dose of 10 mg/kg to goats and sheep in various stages of pregnancy and lactation. It is known that bone resorption increases as pregnancy progresses. In sheep maximum in bone resportion is reached at early lactation. The hypocalcemic response to protamine followed a similar course. The slightest decrease in serum calcium was obtained during early pregnancy and the greatest during late pregnancy and early lactation. Protamine increased serum inorganic phosphorus. The increase was most pronounced during early pregnancy. Protamine did not significantly change serum magnesium.Five lactating ewes were given 25000 i.u./kg of vitamin D3. Serum calcium increased and the hypocalcemic response to protamine was greater after vitamin D₃ administration than before.The results showed that the hypocalcemic response to protamine can be used as an indicator of the role of bone resorption in calcium homeostasis in various physiological situations.     

High vitamin D3 requirements in broilers for bone quality and prevention of tibial dyschondroplasia and interactions with dietary calcium, available phosphorus and vitamin A

1. Two experiments were carried out to investigate responses in performance and bone compositional and structural characteristics in broilers fed diets containing 4 concentrations of vitamin D3 (5, 20, 125 and 250 microg cholecalciferol/kg) at different concentrations of calcium, available phosphorus and vitamin A. 2. In experiment 1, body weight and tibia breaking strength were maximised at 14d with 250 microg vitamin D3/kg, tibia ash was maximised with 125 microg vitamin D3/kg. A high incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) was decreased to very low levels with 125 microg vitamin D/kg. 3. At 42d, performance and bone characteristics showed no response to vitamin D3 concentrations above 20 microg/kg. 4. Dietary vitamin A within the range 2-4 to 4.5 mg retinol/kg did not show any interaction with vitamin D3 status at either age. 5. In experiment 2, responses to vitamin D3 were strongly influenced by dietary calcium/available phosphorus. With 13 g calcium and 5 g available phosphorus/kg, performance and bone characteristics responded to vitamin D3 concentrations up to 125 microg/kg but more was needed at less optimal concentrations of calcium and available phosphorus. TD incidence was minimised with 250 microg/kg. 6. This study shows that high dietary concentrations of vitamin D3 can prevent TD. It is concluded that the vitamin D3 requirement of broilers up to 14 d of age at optimal dietary calcium and available phosphorus concentrations may be in the range 35 to 50 microg/kg for cortical bone quality and up to 250 microg/kg for prevention of TD. The vitamin D3 requirement for cortical bone quality after 14 d is not higher than 20 microg/kg. These requirements are much higher than earlier estimates and may be related to higher calcium requirements of modern broiler genotypes. Current regulations limiting maximum vitamin D3 concentrations in broiler starter diets may need to be reviewed.     

Copper, zinc and iron levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of copper poisoned sheep

Copper, zinc and iron levels were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of normal and copper poisoned sheep. Copper values were within the range recorded for humans but zinc levels were six to 20 times and iron levels were 20 to 30 times higher than values reported for humans. The amount of copper, zinc and iron in the CSF did not increase in sheep dosed with copper and hence it is unlikely that the level of copper in the CSF is related to the changes in the nervous system that have been reported in copper poisoned sheep.     

Levels of selected minerals,nitric oxide,and vitamins in aborted Sakis sheep raised under semitropical conditions

The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron and of nitric oxide, retinol, and β-carotene were determined in Sakiz ewes that had experienced an abortion and in healthy controls. Ten healthy and 25 aborted Sakiz sheep were selected from Afyon zone in western Turkey. Their ages ranged between 2 and 4 years weighing between 40 and 60 kg at the time of experiment. All of the abortions occurred in October. The concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, phosphorus, and zinc were significantly lower and those of calcium and nitric oxide were increased in aborted ewes relative to healthy controls. The serum levels of iron, copper, and magnesium were not significantly different among the two groups. In conclusion, abortion is an important problem in commercially important species of ruminants in many regions in the tropics including of western Turkey. Deficiencies of retinol, β-carotene, phosphorus and zinc, and the increase of calcium and nitric oxide concentration may play an important role in the etiology of abortion in ewes. Prophylactic measures such as vitamin and mineral supplementation may be of help to prevent or reduce the incidence of abortion in sheep.     

Some serum parameters of first lactation cows in relation to their supply of macro and trace elements as well as of vitamins

At the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL) in Braunschweig a feeding trial with 30 first lactating cows (German Holstein) was realised in 2004 for a complete lactation. All animals received a diet based on maize- and grass-silage ad libitum at the rate of 60:40 (DM-base) and concentrate depending on their milk yield.The animals were fed with energy and protein as recommended (GfE 2001) and were kept in loose housing. After calving they were split randomly into two feeding groups with 15 animals each. Group 1 was fed a concentrate according to the recommendations of the GfE (2001), whereas group 2 was offered the same concentrate with roughly the double amount of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, beta-carotene and vitamins A and E. To study the influence of the different concentrates on the serum concentrations of minerals and vitamins, blood, feed and milk samples were regularly taken and analysed in the course of lactation. Significantly higher blood concentrations were detected for phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E in group 2, but therefore a direct influence of the feeding on the blood concentrations was detected only for zinc and vitamin E. Over the whole lactation the average milk yield of group 1 was 2.6 kg/day higher and the average milk fat content was reduced about 0.6 percent points compared to group 2.     

Chronic ingestion of high concentrations of cholecalciferol in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ingestion of 63 times the recommended amount of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) results in renal calcification or damage in cats. ANIMALS: 20 four-month-old kittens, 17 queens, and 20 kittens born to these queens. PROCEDURE: 4-month-old kittens and queens were given a purified diet with 846 microg of cholecalciferol/kg of diet (high vitamin D3 diet) or 118 microg of cholecalciferol/kg of diet (control diet) for 18 months. Kittens born to queens were weaned onto the same diet given to dams. RESULTS: There were no apparent adverse effects of the high vitamin D3 diet. Plasma cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) concentrations of queens and 4-month-old kittens given the high vitamin D3 diet significantly increased with time. At 6 months, plasma cholecalciferol concentrations in these kittens and queens were 140.0+/-7.3 nmol/L and 423.6+/-26.6 nmol/L, respectively (10 times initial values). Corresponding 25-OHD3 concentration in queens was 587.5+/-59.4 nmol/L (2.5-fold increase over initial values). At 3 months of age, kittens born to queens given the high vitamin D3 diet had an increase in serum BUN and calcium concentrations and a decrease in RBC and serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin concentrations. By 18 months, these kittens had an increase in plasma cholecalciferol (276.0+/-22.2 nmol/L) and 25-OHD3 (1,071.9+/-115.3 nmol/L) concentrations. However, all indices of renal function and the appearance of renal tissue on histologic evaluation were normal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results indicate that cats are resistant to cholecalciferol toxicosis when the diet is otherwise complete and balanced.     

Vitamin D intoxication and the pathogenesis of vitamin D nephropathy in the dog.

Dogs given excess vitamin D (500 or 1,000 micrograms/kg of body weight each day for 1 to 3 weeks were observed for clinical and pathologic changes of increased blood pressure and of characteristic nephropathy associated with vitamin D toxicosis or hypercalcemia. Serum calcium and serum urea nitrogen (UN) increased throughout the treatment period, but serum phosphorus remained within the normal range. Plasma renin activity increased markedly. Blood pressure showed only insignificnat changes (P = greater than 0.05). Gross and microscopic examination of the kidneys suggested vascular-oriented changes with an ischemic basis. Glomerular vascular poles showed hypertrophy and hyperplasia of juxtaglomerular cells. Ultrastructually, an increase in the number of secretory granules was noticed in these cells. A hypothesis regarding the mechanism of renal injury during vitamin D toxicosis is presented.     

饲粮维生素D水平对产蛋初期蛋鸭产蛋性能、血液生化及胫骨指标的影响

采用单因子完全随机试验设计研究饲粮维生素D水平对120日龄雌性龙岩麻鸭产蛋性能,血液生化及胫骨指标的影响,进而探讨产蛋初期蛋鸭维生素D需要量。选取1 260只120日龄健康的福建龙岩麻鸭随机分为6个处理,每处理6个重复,每重复35只。各处理组蛋鸭随机饲喂维生素D水平分别为0、800、1 600、2 400、3 200、4 000 IU/kg的试验饲粮。饲养期为21 d。结果表明:维生素D水平对产蛋初期龙岩麻鸭产蛋性能、蛋品质以及血浆钙、磷含量、碱性磷酸酶活性均无显著影响(P>0.05),基础饲料上添加维生素D显著降低血浆中甲状旁腺激素的含量(P<0.05),但各添加组间无显著差异(P>0.05),饲粮维生素D含量显著影响胫骨钙、磷及灰分含量(P<0.05),维生素D水平为800 IU/kg时,获得较好的骨骼质量,维生素D水平对胫骨长度、胫骨管围、折断力、骨密度、骨矿物盐含量无显著影响(P>0.05)。因此,龙岩麻鸭产蛋初期饲粮维生素D适宜添加量为800 IU/kg。     

Rickets in turkey poults

Fifteen outbreaks of rickets were diagnosed in turkey poults in Saskatchewan between 1978 and 1981. No relationship to farm, source of poults, or source of feed was apparent. Most outbreaks started when the poults were between 10 and 14 days of age, and they had recovered by 28 days of age. Losses varied from 1% to 14% of poults started. Skeletal lesions were characteristic of a vitamin D or calcium deficiency. On the basis of chemical analyses, adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus and proper amounts of vitamin premixes were present in the feed, but in five outbreaks biological feed tests implicated feed as a causative factor. The severity of rickets in poults fed defective feeds was markedly reduced by providing the poults with extra vitamin D in the drinking water or by injection. Two premixes used in different feeds contained adequate available vitamin D on the basis of biological testing. In some of the outbreaks, the rickets may have resulted from inadequate distribution of vitamin D in the feed, destruction of vitamin D during feed processing, or some unknown factor in the feed interfering with vitamin D utilization.     

Serum concentrations of micronutrients, packed cell volume, and blood hemoglobin during the first two gestations and lactations of sows.

The objective of the present work was to describe the changes in serum concentrations of some micronutrients during the first 2 gestations and lactations of 33 gilts in order to establish blood reference values for a rapid assessment of nutritional status. In both parities, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein at mating, 5, 10 and 15 wk of gestation and l d and 4 wk after parturition (weaning). Reference values (mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum) for serum folates, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 metabolites (pyridoxal and pyridoxal-5-phosphate), calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper and iron, as well as blood hemoglobin and packed cell volume are reported for each studied time. Differences between parities and between each time are also reported. Results from the present report demonstrate that knowledge of the physiological state of the sows is critical for the assessment of nutritional status of an individual or a breeding herd by interpretation of analyses of blood constituents.     

A review of tissue reference values used to assess the trace element status of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIMS: This paper reviews the principles for the establishment of biochemical reference criteria for assessing the trace element status of farmed livestock and summarises data for copper, selenium, vitamin B12 and iodine for farmed red deer. COPPER: Enzootic ataxia and osteochondrosis occur when liver copper concentrations are below 60 micromol/kg fresh tissue, and serum copper concentrations are below 3-4 micromol/l. Growth responses to copper supplementation have been equivocal when blood copper concentrations were 3-4 micromol/l, but were significant when mean blood copper concentrations were 0.9-4.0 micromol/l. No antler growth or bodyweight response to copper supplementation was observed when blood ferroxidase levels averaged 10-23 IU/l (equivalent to serum copper concentrations of 6-13 micromol/l) and liver copper concentrations averaged 98 mumol/kg fresh tissue. These data suggest that 'deficient', 'marginal' and 'adequate' ranges for serum copper concentrations should be 5, 5-8, and 8 micromol/l, respectively, and those for liver copper concentrations should be 60, 60-100, and 100 micromol/kg, respectively. SELENIUM: White muscle disease has been reported in young deer with blood and liver selenium concentrations of 84-140 nmol/l and 240-500 nmol/kg fresh tissue, respectively. No growth-rate response to selenium supplementation occurred in rising 1-year-old deer when blood selenium concentrations were less than 130 nmol/l, the range in which a growth-rate response would be expected in sheep. VITAMIN B12: Vitamin B12 concentrations in deer are frequently below 185 pmol/l without clinical or subclinical effects. No growth response was observed in young deer with vitamin B12 concentrations as low as 75-83 pmol/l. A growth response to cobalt/vitamin B12 supplementation occurs in lambs with serum vitamin B12 concentrations 336 pmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: Data that can be used to establish reference ranges for assessing trace element status in deer are limited. More robust reference values for farmed red deer need to be established through further studies relating biochemical data to health and performance.     

日粮维生素D和钙水平对冬毛期水貂生长性能、营养物质消化率及氮、钙、磷代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究当日粮钙磷比一定时,维生素D和钙水平对冬毛期水貂生长性能、营养物质消化率及氮、钙、磷代谢的影响。随机选取（135±5）日龄、健康雄性水貂117只,分成9组,每组13个重复,每个重复1只。采用3×3双因素随机试验设计,设3个维生素D水平,分别为2 300、4 300、6 300 IU/kg;设3个钙水平,分别为2.0%、2.4%、2.8%,钙磷比固定为1.7∶1,配制9组试验日粮,分别为：Ⅰ组（2 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.0%钙）、Ⅱ组（4 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.0%钙）、Ⅲ组（6 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.0%钙）、Ⅳ组（2 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.4%钙）、Ⅴ组（4 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.4%钙）、Ⅵ组（6 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.4%钙）、Ⅶ组（2 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.8%钙）、Ⅷ组（4 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.8%钙）、Ⅸ组（6 300 IU/kg维生素D＋2.8%钙）。预试期13 d,正试期60 d。结果表明：①各组水貂料重比差异极显著（P<0.01）,Ⅱ组最低。钙水平对料重比有显著影响（P<0.05）,维生素D水平对料重比有极显著影响（P<0.01）。②钙水平可极显著影响粗脂肪消化率（P<0.01）,其中2.8%水平极显著低于2.0%和2.4%水平（P<0.01）。③日粮维生素D和钙水平对水貂氮代谢指标均无显著影响（P>0.05）。④各组水貂粪钙、粪磷、钙消化率、磷消化率均差异极显著（P<0.01）,其中Ⅱ组钙消化率、磷消化率最高,Ⅲ组次之。钙水平可极显著影响粪钙、粪磷、钙消化率、磷消化率（P<0.01）,2.0%水平可极显著降低粪钙、粪磷含量（P<0.01）,极显著提高钙消化率及磷消化率（P<0.01）。维生素D水平对钙消化率影响显著（P<0.05）,对粪磷、磷消化率影响极显著（P<0.01）,2 300~4 300 IU/kg维生素D水平有利于提高钙消化率、磷消化率,降低粪磷含量。综合考虑各项指标,在本试验条件下,日粮中钙磷比为1.7∶1,维生素D水平为2 300~4 300 IU/kg、钙水平为2.0%时,冬毛期水貂料重比及钙、磷排放量较低,而粗脂肪、钙、磷消化率较高。     

Paratuberculosis in sheep: its possible role in the epidemiology of paratuberculosis in cattle

A total of 50 sheep originating from 15 Dutch farms with a known paratuberculosis infection in their cattle herd, but with no history of paratuberculosis infection in their sheep flock, were examined for infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). The sheep had been grazing on the same pastures as the cattle or on pastures fertilised with manure from these cows. The sheep were screened for paratuberculosis by serum biochemistry, serology and intradermal skin tests. At necropsy they were examined macroscopically, microscopically and bacteriologically for paratuberculosis.From 10 sheep, originating from eight flocks, Map could be isolated from various tissues but not from the intestinal contents, after an incubation period of 2.5-4 months. Six of these culture-positive sheep had no macroscopic signs of paratuberculosis at necropsy. Seven sheep were Map culture negative but showed macroscopic and microscopic lesions consistent with a paratuberculosis infection. Results of serology and skin tests did not correlate with the results of bacteriological culture. Serum concentrations of calcium, albumin and total protein of the infected, suspected and negative sheep were not different. These results indicate that a substantial number of the sheep examined were infected with Map. Even though this bacterium was not isolated from their faeces, the possibility that these sheep could have been shedding Map with their faeces below detection level or at a later stage of the disease cannot be eliminated. Map infected sheep should, therefore, be considered as a possible factor in the epidemiology of with Map infected cattle herds in The Netherlands. At necropsy bacteriological culture of Map should be performed on a routine basis to improve the diagnosis of paratuberculosis in sheep.     

Association of pneumonia in foals caused by Rhodococcus equi with farm soil geochemistry

OBJECTIVE: To quantify and compare geochemical factors in surface soils from horse-breeding farms with horses with pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi (affected farms) and horse-breeding farms with no history of pneumonia caused by R equi (unaffected farms). SAMPLE POPULATION: Soil from 24 R equi-affected farms and 21 unaffected farms. PROCEDURE: Equine veterinary practitioners throughout Texas submitted surface soil samples from areas most frequented by foals, on R equi-affected and unaffected horse-breeding farms in their practice. Soil samples were assayed for the following factors: pH, salinity, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper. Median values for all factors were recorded, and differences between affected and unaffected farms were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences in soil factors were not detected between affected and unaffected farms; hence, there was no association between those factors and R equi disease status of the farms. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The surface soil factors monitored in this study were not significant risk factors for pneumonia caused by R equi. As such, it is not possible to determine whether foals on a given farm are at increased risk of developing disease caused by R equi on the basis of these factors. Data do not support altering surface soil for factors examined, such as alkalinization by applying lime, as viable control strategies for R equi.     

Enzootic calcinosis in sheep: soil-plant-animal relationship.

Chemical compositions of soil, water, feeds, and forages on a farm where sheep were affected with calcinosis (experimental site) and a farm with sheep not affected with calcinosis (control site) were determined. The study lasted 1 year. It was observed that water from the experimental site had higher electrical conductivity and calcium level than from the control site. Higher conductivity indicated greater mineral content in the water. Soil from the experimental site had lower levels of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus and higher content of exchangeable calcium as compared with these values of the control site. Exchangeable Ca:Mg ratio for soil of the experiemntal site was twice greater than that of the control site. Forage plants of the experimental site had lower concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and copper, but higher values of potassium and sulfur. The K:Ca + Mg, K:P, and K:Ca ratios for plants from the experimental site were higher and Ca:P ratio was lower than those of the control site. Analysis of ruminal content of the affected sheep revealed higher K:Ca + Mg, K:P, and Ca:P ratios than those of the control sheep. Due to the close relationship of metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, evidence of the existance of their imbalances in feeds and forages of the affected farm possibly contributing to the causation of the pathologic calcification of soft tissues of the sheep has been presented.     

Effect of ingestion of soil on the iodine, copper, cobalt (vitamin B12) and selenium status of grazing sheep

AIM: To determine the impact of ingestion of soil on the iodine (I), selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co; vitamin B12) status of young sheep. METHODS: Twenty young sheep were divided into two groups; one group was fed lucerne pellets, while the other group was fed lucerne pellets plus 100 g soil, for 63 days. At the end of the study the animals were blood-sampled, slaughtered, and the liver removed, and concentrations of I, Cu, vitamin B12 and Se were determined. RESULTS: The ingestion of soil significantly increased concentrations of I and vitamin B12 in serum, but had no effect on concentrations of Cu and Se in serum/blood and liver, and vitamin B12 in liver. CONCLUSION: Ingested soil can be a significant source of I and Co (vitamin B12) for grazing sheep.     

Composition and use of puppy milk replacers in German Shepherd puppies in the Netherlands

Enostosis or eosinophilic panosteitis is a common disease in young growing large-breed dogs, such as the German Shepherd, and the risk of developing the disease by 3-4 months of age is increased by a high calcium intake. The aim of the study was to investigate whether German Shepherd puppies raised on milk replacers receive more calcium and/or vitamin D than their requirements in the pre-weaning period and thus are at increased risk of developing skeletal diseases. To this end, we surveyed German Shepherd breeders in the Netherlands about the use of puppy milk replacers (PMR). The metabolizable energy, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D content of the eight most used PMR were compared with that of bitch milk, as reported in the literature. The protein and fat content of most PMR were somewhat lower (range 24.4-33.2 g per 100 g on dmb and 18.3-37.5 g per 100 g on dmb respectively) compared with bitch milk (31.9 and 40.2 g on dmb respectively). The vitamin D content of one of the PMR samples was sevenfold the level recommended by the NRC (Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, National Academy Press, 2006) and threefold the average level of bitch milk. The clinical relevance of this high amount is questionable, as bitch milk contains mainly 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [3843 μg (96.1 IU) per 100 g on dmb] and only limited amounts of vitamin D [524 μg (13.3 IU) per 100 g on dmb], as was determined in this study. Dutch German Shepherd breeders tended to overfeed their puppies. We calculated that misguided use of PMR can increase the risk of excessive calcium, phosphorus and possibly vitamin D intake during a vulnerable period, potentially giving rise to bone and cartilage problems later in life.