Plasma and milk concentrations of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 following intravenous injection of vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.

Plasma levels of vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in ewes after administration of a single massive intravenous dose of vitamin D3 (2 X 10(6) IU) or 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (5 mg) were determined at zero, one, two, three, five, ten and 20 days postinjection. In six ewes injected with vitamin D3 conversion of vitamin D3 to 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 resulted in a six-fold increase in the plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 level within one day. Elevated levels were maintained until day 10 but by day 20 a substantial decline in the plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 level had occurred. Peak levels of vitamin D3 were reached one day after injection and then continuously declined until day 20. Administration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 increased plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 to fivefold higher levels than those observed when vitamin D3 was injected, with approximately threefold higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 maintained for five days. On day 10 and day 20 ewes which were injected with 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 still maintained plasma levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 which were twice as high as those of ewes injected with vitamin D3. In six ewes injected with vitamin D3, a sharp increase in vitamin D3 level in milk occurred within one day and more than a tenfold elevation of milk vitamin D3 concentrations were maintained for ten days. By 20 days the milk vitamin D3 level had returned to preinjection levels. These observations suggest that indirect supplementation of the suckling ruminant with vitamin D3 may be achieved through maternal injection and subsequent mammary transfer.     

Effect of source and quantity of dietary vitamin D in maternal and creep diets on bone metabolism and growth in piglets

Piglets are born with reduced plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D(3)) and are thus highly predisposed to vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, sow milk contains little vitamin D, and the slow intestinal vitamin D absorption of sows limits the efficacy of dietary vitamin D supplementation. Hence, the neonate depends, to a large extent, on the vitamin D stores built up in fetal tissues from maternal sources. The current study was undertaken to evaluate whether the source and quantity of dietary vitamin D provided to the gestating and lactating sow, and also directly in the form of creep feed to the piglet, would influence the vitamin D status, growth performance, and skeletal development of piglets. A total of 39 primiparous and multiparous sows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (13 in each treatment), supplemented with either 5 or 50 μg of the commonly used cholecalciferol (vitamin D(3)) or 50 μg of 25-OH-D(3) per kilogram of feed. By wk 3 of lactation, piglets were offered a creep diet with vitamin D supplementation according to the treatment of the dam, and they were offered the same creep diets after weaning at d 35 of age until they reached a BW of approximately 20 kg. When dietary 25-OH-D(3) was provided, circulating concentrations of 25-OH-D(3) in piglet serum increased (P < 0.05) as early as d 21 and later at d 33 and 77, indicating greater body stores in those animals. Bone-breaking strength and cortical bone mineral content and density at the tibial midshaft of piglets were reduced (P < 0.05) when vitamin D(3) was supplemented at 5 μg/kg compared with the bone traits of other groups, but no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the 2 other groups. After weaning, ADFI was greater (P < 0.05) and growth performance tended (P = 0.08) to improve when doses of 50 μg/kg were administered, regardless of the vitamin D source. In conclusion, supplementation of the diet with 50 μg/kg of either source of vitamin D was proved to be adequate in meeting the needs of gestating sows and in permitting the accumulation of vitamin D in fetal tissues, as well as for normal skeletal mineralization and growth in the offspring. Furthermore, the markedly improved vitamin D status of piglets whose mothers received 25-OH-D(3) possibly resulted from greater tissue reserves present at birth and a greater availability of vitamin D when released from those stores.     

Restriction of vitamin A and D in beef cattle finishing diets on feedlot performance and adipose accretion

Feedlot producers often exceed NRC recommendations for vitamin A and D supplementation; however, increased concentrations of these vitamins have been shown to limit adipocyte differentiation in vitro. A feedlot trial was conducted using 168 Angus crossbred steers (BW = 284 ± 0.4 kg) allotted to 24 pens. The experiment had a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: no supplemental vitamin A or D (NAND), 3,750 IU vitamin A/kg dietary DM with no supplemental vitamin D (SAND), no supplemental vitamin A and 1,860 IU vitamin D/kg dietary DM (NASD), and 3,750 IU and 1,860 IU vitamin A and D/ kg dietary DM (SASD), respectively. Serum, liver, and intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue retinol concentrations were decreased in (P < 0.001) in cattle fed the no supplemental vitamin A diets (NAND and NASD combined) compared with those consuming supplemental vitamin A (SAND and SASD combined) diets. In addition, intramuscular retinol concentration was 38% less than in the subcutaneous depot. Serum 25(OH)D(3) concentrations were reduced (P < 0.001) during the first 70 d when cattle were fed no supplemental vitamin D diets (NAND and SAND combined); however, liver 25(OH)D(3) concentrations remained unchanged (P > 0.10) through d 184. Serum and liver 25(OH)D(3) concentrations increased (P < 0.001) with vitamin D supplementation (NASD and SASD combined). The DMI, ADG, G:F, and morbidity were not affected (P > 0.10) by dietary concentration of vitamin A or D. There were vitamin A and D interactions (P < 0.03) for backfat thickness and USDA Yield grade. Cattle fed the NAND diet had greater (P < 0.03) Yield grades than other treatments because of greater (P < 0.005) 12th rib backfat thickness in NAND steers than the NASD and SAND steers. Vitamin D concentrations were attenuated and minimal carcass adiposity responses to vitamin D supplementation were observed. Feeding a diet without supplemental vitamin A increased (P < 0.05) Quality grades and marbling scores and tended (P = 0.06) to increase ether extractable lipid of the LM. As retinol and 25(OH)D(3) concentrations in feedlot cattle declined as a result of a lack of dietary supplementation, adipose accretion increased, resulting in elevated Quality and Yield grades. Withdrawal of supplemental vitamin A, D, or both from the finishing diet of feedlot beef cattle had minimal impact carcass composition.     

The use of vitamin D3 and its metabolites to improve beef tenderness

Three experiments were conducted to determine whether feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2 D3) improves the tenderness of longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM), and infraspinatus (IF) muscles similar to supplemental vitamin D3 without leaving residual vitamin D3 and its metabolites in muscle. In the first two experiments, 24 crossbred steers were used to determine the effects of different oral amounts of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 (Exp. 1; n = 12) and 25-OH D3 (Exp. 2; n = 12) on plasma Ca2+ concentrations. In the third experiment, crossbred steers were allotted randomly to one of four treatments: 1) control placebo (n = 7); 2) 5 x 10(6) IU of vitamin D3/d (n = 9) for 9 d and harvested 2 d after last treatment; 3) single, 125-mg dose of 25-OH D3 (n = 8) 4 d before harvest; or 4) single, 500-microg dose of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 (n = 9) 3 d before harvest. The LD and SM steaks from each animal were aged for 8, 14, or 21 d, whereas steaks from the IF were aged for 14 or 21 d. All steaks were analyzed for tenderness by Warner-Bratzler shear force and for troponin-T degradation by Western blot analysis. Supplementing steers with vitamin D3 increased (P < 0.01) the concentration of vitamin D3 and 25-OH D3 in all muscles sampled. Feeding steers 25-OH D3 increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of 25-OH D3 in meat, but to an amount less than half that of cattle treated with vitamin D3. Supplemental 1,25-(OH)2 D3 did not affect (P < 0.10) shear force values; however, there was a trend (P < 0.10) for supplemental vitamin D3 and 25-OH D3 to produce LD steaks with lower shear values after 8 and 14 d of aging, and lower (P < 0.10) shear force values for the SM aged for 21 d. Analysis of Western blots indicated that LD steaks from cattle supplemented with vitamin D3 and 25-OH D3 had greater (P < 0.05) troponin-T degradation. Antemortem supplementation of 25-OH D3 seems to increase postmortem proteolysis and tenderness in the LD and SM without depositing large concentrations of residual vitamin D3 and its metabolite 25-OH D3.     

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer risk

25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is important in bone health as well as many diseases including cancer. Supplementation may increase responsiveness of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and canine C‐reactive protein (c‐CRP) were measured in healthy dogs and dogs with haemoabdomen. Regression analysis determined optimal 25(OH)D concentrations. In healthy dogs (n = 282), mean iPTH concentrations correlated inversely (r² = 0.88, P < 0.001) to 25(OH)D concentrations. Variation in both iPTH and c‐CRP plateaued at 25(OH)D concentrations of 100–120 ng mL^?1. Haemoabdomen dogs (n = 63, 43 malignant and 20 benign) had 25(OH)D concentrations ranging from 19.4 to >150 ng mL^?1. Relative risk of cancer increased with decreasing 25(OH)D concentrations [RR = 3.9 for 25(OH)D below 40 ng mL^?1 (P = 0.0001)]. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations in dogs vary widely, and are influenced by dietary VitD content. Serum vitD measurement can identify dogs for which supplementation may improve health and response to cancer therapy.     

UV‐light and dietary vitamin D and their effects on ionized calcium and 25‐OH‐D plasma concentrations in captive gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua)

In this study, the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light and dietary vitamin D on calcium metabolism in permanently indoor‐housed gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua ) was investigated. The study consisted of three periods, each completed with blood samples to analyse plasma concentrations of 25‐OH‐D, 1,25‐(OH)₂‐D, ionized (iCa) and total calcium (tCa). During the first study period (D), animals were housed under routine conditions without UV‐light and fed a diet of different fish species, supplemented with 1,000 IU vitamin D per animal and day. The following study period (Baseline) of 28‐day duration consisted of the same diet without any vitamin D supplementation and without UV‐light. During the study period (UVB) artificial UV‐light was added for 3 weeks. The vitamin D content of fish was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. It varied between fish species and between facilities, ranging from no measurable content in capelin (Mallotus villosus ) to 7,340 IU vitamin D/kg original matter (OM) in herring (Clupea spp). The average dietary vitamin D content was 311 IU/kg OM at facility 1 and 6,325 IU/kg OM at facility 2, resulting in a vitamin D intake per animal and day without supplementation of 130 IU (25.5 IU/kg body weight BW) and 2,454 IU (438.2 IU/kg BW) respectively. The supplementation of vitamin D elevated significantly the plasma concentrations of 25‐OH‐D by an intraindividual difference of 15 (range ?2 to 59) nmol/L and tCa by 0.1 (0.0–0.3) mmol/L only at facility 2. The exposure to UV‐light raised the blood concentrations of tCa at facility 2 by 0.15 (0.1–0.2) mmol/L, and of iCa and tCa for females at facility 1 by 0.23 (0.13–0.41) mmol/L and 1.8 (1.1–2.5) mmol/L respectively. No significant influence of the study periods (D) and (UVB) was found for the concentrations of 1,25‐(OH)₂‐D at both facilities.     

Plasma fat-soluble vitamin and mineral concentrations in relation to diet in captive pteropodid bats.

Circulating plasma fat-soluble vitamin and mineral concentrations were compared in captive females of three species for fruit bats (Pteropus vampyrus, Pteropus hypomelanus, and Pteropus pumilus) fed the same diet. Daily total food intake averaged 28% of body weight on an as-fed basis or 7% on a dry matter basis. Dietary leftovers contained higher concentrations of phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc than the diet offered, suggesting some nutrient selectivity. Additionally, fecal mineral concentrations were two- to threefold higher than dietary concentrations of corresponding nutrients. Plasma concentrations of vitamin A (0.02-0.05 microg retinol/ml), vitamin D (1.50 ng 25-OH D3/ml; 93-108 pg 1,25 diOH D3/ml), and vitamin E (0.49-1.05 microg alpha-tocopherol/ml) were lower than in other herbivorous mammals, whereas plasma mineral concentrations were within normal mammalian ranges. These data may help assess the nutritional status of fruit bats.     

Effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and manipulated dietary cation-anion difference on the tenderness of beef from cull native Korean cows

In this study, we characterized the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) and manipulated dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) on the performance, urine pH, serum constituents, carcass traits, tissue residual vitamin D and its metabolites, beef tenderness, and mRNA and protein concentrations of Ca-dependent proteinases in LM using 24 cull native Korean cows. The cows were divided into 3 groups of 8: control, 25-OH D3 supplemented (25-OH D3), and manipulated DCAD plus 25-OH D3 supplemented (DCAD+25-OH D3). Cows receiving 25-OH D3 or DCAD+25-OH D3 were dosed with 125 mg of 25-OH D3 6 d before slaughter. The manipulated DCAD (-10 mEq/100 g of DM) diet was fed from 20 to 6 d (14 d) before slaughter. The DCAD+25-OH D3 treatment decreased urine pH and increased serum Ca concentrations. Although the vitamin D concentrations in LM, liver, and kidney were not affected by 25-OH D3 or DCAD+25-OH D3, muscle tissue 25-OH D3 concentrations were increased by both regimens. Serum 25-OH D3 concentrations were increased by 25-OH D3 supplementation, and the increase was even greater for DCAD+25-OH D3. The same pattern was observed for serum 1,25- (OH)2 D3. However, the LM concentration of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was less for DCAD+25-OH D3 than for control. Although Ca concentrations of LM increased numerically in response to 25-OH D3 supplementation, no statistical differences in Warner-Bratzler shear force or sensory traits of LM were detected. The LM of cows receiving 25-OH D3 with or without manipulated DCAD had greater concentrations of mu-calpain and m-calpain mRNA, whereas the reverse was observed for calpastatin mRNA. Expression of mu-calpain protein was increased relative to control by DCAD+25-OH D3. The amount of 25-OH D3 and manipulated DCAD administered to cull native Korean cows was insufficient to improve tenderness of beef by increasing muscle Ca concentration. However, DCAD+25-OH D3 induced greater expressions of mu-calpain protein as well as mRNA.     

Effect of graduated vitamin D3 doses and different ration composition on the 25OH-vitamin D3 plasma concentration and fattening and slaughter production of bulls]

In a individual feeding experiment (348 days) 24 fattening bulls were given either a ration high in roughage (2.8 kg concentrate mixture, wheat straw ad libitum: group I) or high in concentrate (5.6 kg concentrate mixture, wheat straw ad libitum group II) supplemented with various levels of vitamin D3 (0, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000 IU per 100 kg body weight (bw) and day) and minerals as required. After 58, 101, 134, 172, 205, 277 and 340 days 25-OH-D3 plasma concentration was estimated. Fattening and slaughtering parameters were measured. The 25OH-D3 plasma concentration was significantly influenced by vitamin D3 supply, kind of ration and day of taking samples. 25-OH-D3 plasma concentration decreased below 5 ng per ml when vitamin D3 supply was less than or equal to 250 IU per 100 kg bw and day. The initial plasma levels were maintained when 500 IU vitamin D3 per 100 kg bw and day was given (6.6 ng per ml). Administration of greater than or equal to 1,000 IU per 100 kg bw and day increased 25OH-D3 plasma level (greater than 10 ng/ml). Plasma 25OH-D3 concentration was significant higher when bulls consumed diets rich in concentrate (10.6 and 18.2 ng/ml for I and II after 340th day). Differences in content of cell walls and crude fat of rations may be responsible for results. Daily weight gain of bulls amounted to 712 and 945 g when fed diets I or II. Dry matter intake and live weight gain were not significantly influenced by different vitamin D3 supply. Clinical symptoms of rachitis did not appear.     

Prolactin and progesterone concentrations during early pregnancy and relationship to pregnancy loss prior to day 45

Eleven multiparous Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred mares were used to determine the plasma concentrations of progesterone and prolactin during early pregnancy and to examine the relationship of plasma progesterone and prolactin to pregnancy loss prior to d 45 of gestation. Plasma samples were collected at two day intervals beginning on d 14 of pregnancy (d 0 = ovulation) and countinued to d 80. Ovulation and pregnancy status were determined by ultrasonography. Four mares experienced pregnancy loss between d 28 and 44 and plasma samples were collected for 10 days beyond the detected loss. Seven mares had successful pregnancies (Term group).Plasma progesterone concentrations peaked by d 28 in the Term group, with individual peak values ranging from 14.9 to 31.9 ng/ml. Values then declined until d 36, followed by a rise until d 80. Prior to d 45 of gestation 5 of the 7 mares had a peak in excess of 15 ng/ml and 3 of these had brief periods, ranging fron 1 to 8 days when progesterone dropped to less than 2 ng/ml. The other 2 mares had peak plasma progesterone concentrations of less than 7 ng/ml, but maintained concentrations in excess of 2 ng/ml during this period.Within the mares experiencing pregnancy loss, 2 mares had a decline in plasma progesterone concentrations prior to pregnancy loss, while the other 2 had typical progesterone patterns beyond the detected loss. Differences in individual patterns of plasma progesterone concentration were observed in both groups (P<.01).Plasma prolactin concentrations ranged from less than .32 to 4.58 ng/ml in the Term group and from .31 to 1.9 ng/ml in the mares experiencing pregnancy loss. Differences in the individual patterns of prolactin secretion were observed in both groups (P<.01).A correlation between progesterone and prolactin was observed in the Term group between day 14 and 37 (P<.01, r²=.88).     

Factors associated with low vitamin D status of Australian alpacas

Objective To investigate factors associated with low vitamin D status of alpacas at pasture in southern Australia. Design A 2‐year survey of alpacas from two farms in South Australia and three in Victoria. Blood samples were collected from 20 to 30 alpacas on each farm on five occasions each year. Breed, gender, age and fleece colour of animals were recorded. Method Blood samples were assayed for plasma 2.5‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25‐OH D₃) and plasma inorganic phosphorus (Pi). Data sets from 802 animal samples were analysed by multiple regression to determine variables associated with low vitamin D status of alpacas. The relationship between plasma 25‐OH D₃ and plasma Pi was also investigated. Results Vitamin D status was significantly affected by month of sampling, with low values in late winter and high values in summer. Plasma vitamin D concentrations increased with age, were higher in alpacas with light fleeces than in those with dark fleeces and were also higher in the Suri than in the Huacaya breed. Plasma Pi concentrations were generally lower in alpacas with plasma 25‐OH D₃ values < 25 nmol/L. Conclusions Young alpacas with dark fleeces are most at risk from vitamin D insufficiency in late winter in southern Australia. The present study indicates that plasma Pi values are not a reliable indicator of vitamin D status of alpacas as assessed by plasma 25‐OH D₃ concentrations.     

Supplemental vitamin D3 concentration and biological type of steers. II. Tenderness, quality, and residues of beef

Vitamin D3 was orally supplemented to determine the supplemental dose that improved beef tenderness in different cattle breed types. Feedlot steers (n = 142) were arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement consisting of four levels of supplemental vitamin D3 (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 million IU/steer daily) administered for eight consecutive days antemortem using three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos Taurus-Continental, and Bos Taurus-English). Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was measured at 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 d postmortem, and trained sensory analysis was conducted at 7 d postmortem on LM, semimembranosus, gluteus medius, and supraspinatus steaks. Concentrations of vitamin D3 and the metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were determined in the LM, liver, kidney, and plasma. Biological type of cattle did not interact (P > 0.10) with vitamin D3 supplementation for sensory or tenderness traits, suggesting that feeding vitamin D3 for 8 d before slaughter affected the different biological types of cattle similarly. Supplementing steers with 0.5, 1, or 5 million IU/(steer(d) decreased (P < 0.05) LM WBSF at 7, 10, 14, and 21 d postmortem compared with controls, and vitamin D3 treatments of 0.5, 1, and 5 million IU decreased (P < 0.05) semimembranosus WBSF at 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem. In general, vitamin D3-induced improvements in WBSF were most consistent and intense in LM steaks. Sensory panel tenderness was improved (P < 0.05) by all vitamin D3 treatments in LM steaks. Sensory traits ofjuiciness, flavor, connective tissue, and off-flavor were not (P > 0.05) affected by vitamin D3 treatments. All vitamin D3 treatments decreased micro-calpain activity and increased muscle Ca concentrations (P < 0.05). Vitamin D3 concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) by supplementation in all tissues tested (liver, kidney, LM, and plasma); however, cooking steaks to 71 degrees C decreased (P < 0.05) treatment residue effects. The vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was increased (P < 0.05) only in plasma samples as a result of the vitamin D3 treatments. These results indicate that supplementation with vitamin D3 at 0.5 million IU/steer daily for eight consecutive days before slaughter improved tenderness in steaks from different subprimal cuts by affecting muscle Ca concentrations, micro-calpain activities, and muscle proteolysis, with only a small effect on tissue residues of vitamin D3.     

Effect of human growth hormone-releasing factor on bone and mineral metabolism in growing pigs

Little information is available on the effects of growth hormone (GH) and growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF and GHRH) treatment on bone metabolism in pigs. Thus, tibial bending moments and ash contents were studied in 12, 6-wk-old pigs weighing 13 +/- .2 kg. Six pigs (GRF group) were injected s.c. twice daily with 75 micrograms GRF (hGRF [1-29] NH2)/kg BW for 52 d and six remained untreated (control group, C). Average daily gain was slightly (5%; P less than .10) increased in treated pigs. At slaughter, plasma measurements related to calcium homeostasis, such as concentrations of Ca, inorganic P, and vitamin D metabolites (25-OH and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3), were not changed by GRF injection. At slaughter, plasma GH levels were 3.3 times greater in treated (11.3 +/- 3 ng/ml) than in untreated pigs (3.4 +/- .5 ng/ml, P less than .02), whereas those of insulin-like growth factor I were increased by approximately 38%. No difference was observed between the two groups at slaughter in tibial weight, density, bending moment, ash relative to bone volume (29 +/- 1 vs 30 +/- 2 g/100 cm3, GRF vs C), total ash content, or ash relative to dry matter in cortical or medullary bone. Our GRF treatment did not affect bone and mineral metabolism in young, growing pigs.     

Effects of biological type of beef steers on vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus status

Feedlot steers (n = 36) from three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos taurus-Continental, and Bos taurus-English) were used to determine the Ca, P, and vitamin D3 status of feedlot cattle. The USDA yield and quality grade traits were measured at slaughter, and the concentrations of vitamin D3 (VITD) and the metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2 D) were determined in LM, liver, kidney, and plasma. Plasma and muscle Ca and P concentrations also were determined. Biological type of cattle affected a number of carcass traits. Carcasses from Bos taurus-English cattle had more marbling, resulting in higher quality grades (P < 0.05). Carcasses from Bos taurus-Continental cattle had lower calculated yield grades (P < 0.05) than did carcasses from cattle in the other biological types. In general, differences in carcass traits resulting from biological type were consistent with other reports. Plasma and LM Ca and P concentrations were not affected (P = 0.06) by biological type of cattle, indicating that Ca and P homeostasis is a conserved trait across the different types of cattle. Plasma VITD and 25-OH D concentrations were not affected (P = 0.41) by biological type, whereas plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in Bos taurus-Continental and Bos indicus cattle. Liver VITD and 25-OH D were not affected by biological type (P = 0.76), but liver 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in Bos indicus cattle than in Bos taurus-Continental cattle. Kidney vitamin D metabolite concentrations were not affected by biological type of cattle (P = 0.21). Muscle VITD concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in the other two biological types, and muscle 25-OH D concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in Bos indicus cattle. Muscle 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was less (P < 0.05) in the Bos taurus-Continental cattle than in the other two biological types. Cooking eliminated vitamin D metabolite differences among the biological types. Our results suggest that Bos indicus cattle had greater 1,25-(OH)2 D (the biologically active form) in tissues, and greater 1,25-(OH)2 D plasma concentrations than Bos taurus cattle. Thus, the need for VITD supplementation and optimal levels of Ca and P in feedlot diets might differ between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle.     

Cats discriminate between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol

A comparison was made of the ability of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol to elevate plasma concentrations of vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in cats. Cholecalciferol, given as an oral bolus in oil, resulted in a rapid elevation of plasma concentration of cholecalciferol followed by a rapid decline. In contrast, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in plasma increased until day 3 after administration and remained elevated for a further 5 days. When 337 microg of both cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol in oil were given as an oral bolus to 10 cats, the peak plasma concentrations of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol occurred at 8 or 12 h after administration. Peak concentrations of cholecalciferol were over twice those of ergocalciferol (570 +/- 80 vs. 264 +/- 42 nmol/l). The area under the curve 0-169 h for cholecalciferol was also more than twice that for ergocalciferol. When ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol were administered in a parenteral oil-based emulsion, higher concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 than 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 were maintained in plasma. When both vitamins were included in the diet in the nutritional range, plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 were 0.68 of those of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Discrimination against ergocalciferol by cats appears to result from differences in affinity of the binding protein for the metabolites of the two forms of vitamin D. These results indicate that cats discriminate against ergocalciferol, and use it with an efficiency of 0.7 of that of cholecalciferol to maintain plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration.     

Hypercalcaemia in two dogs caused by excessive dietary supplementation of vitamin D

A three-year-old Border collie was presented with a two-week history of lethargy, stiff gait, polydipsia and polyuria. Biochemical analysis revealed hypercalcaemia. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) were markedly elevated and parathyroid hormone was undetectable. Subsequent analysis of the dog's diet revealed that the food contained excessive amounts of vitamin D. The hypercalcaemia resolved following treatment with bisphosphonates and dietary change. Hypervitaminosis D was diagnosed in a second unrelated dog, which had been fed the same brand of dog food as case 1. The dog was also hypercalcaemic and had markedly elevated serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D. Hypervitaminosis D in dogs has been reported to occur secondarily to ingestion of either rodenticides containing cholecalciferol or antipsoriatic ointments that contain vitamin D analogues. Hypervitaminosis D has also been reported following the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of hypervitaminosis D in dogs following the accidental over supplementation of a commercial diet with vitamin D. While the benefits of adequate dietary vitamin D are well established in dogs, the potential deleterious effects of over supplementation of vitamin D should also be acknowledged.     

alpha-Tocopherol concentrations in serum and tissues of sheep fed different sources of vitamin E.

Thirty-five crossbred wethers were used to determine the concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in serum and tissues after oral supplementation of six different vitamin E product forms. Five wethers were assigned to each of the following treatments: 1) control, no supplemental vitamin E (C), 2) emulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-dry (Rovimix E-50% SD), 3) nonemulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-dry (Rovimix E-50% Ads), 4) emulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-liquid (Rovimix E-40% Dispersible Liquid Concentrate [DLC]); 5) emulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopherol-liquid (Hoffmann-La Roche, E-40% DLC alcohol), 6) micellized DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-liquid (Bioglan, Inc., E-20%); and 7) micellized DL-alpha-tocopherol-liquid (Bioglan, Inc., E-20%). Animals were supplemented daily with 1,000 IU of their respective vitamin E sources for 56 d. Blood samples were collected daily from d 0 to 7 and weekly until d 56. Animals were subsequently killed by exsanguination after stunning and eight different tissues were collected for alpha-tocopherol analysis. There were effects of day, treatment, and day x treatment interaction on serum alpha-tocopherol. All supplemented groups were higher in serum alpha-tocopherol concentration than were the C wethers. The emulsifiable vitamin E alcohol liquid product form (Treatment 5) yielded higher (P less than .01) serum alpha-tocopherol concentration than the emulsifiable acetate liquid product (Treatment 4). Sheep on Treatment 5 reached maximum concentration on d 1, sheep on Treatment 6 on d 2, and the sheep on the remaining Treatments by d 3. Blood sera alpha-tocopherol concentrations stabilized by d 6 in all supplemented groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Plasma renin activity and aldosterone and vasopressin concentrations during incremental treadmill exercise in horses.

Six untrained mares were subjected to incremental treadmill exercise to examine exercise-induced changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (ALDO) and plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations. Plasma renin activity, ALDO and AVP concentrations, and heart rate (HR) were measured at each step of an incremental maximal exercise test. Mares ran up a 6 degree slope on a treadmill set at an initial speed of 4 m/s. Speed was increased 1 m/s each minute until HR reached a plateau. Plasma obtained was stored at -80 C and later was thawed, extracted, and assayed for PRA and ALDO and AVP values by use of radioimmunoassay. Exercise caused significant increase in HR from 40 +/- 2 beats/min (mean +/- SEM) at rest to 206 +/- 4 beats/min (HRmax) at speed of 9 m/s. Plasma renin activity increased from 1.9 +/- 1.0 ng/ml/h at rest to a peak of 5.2 +/- 1.0 ng/ml/h at 9 m/s, paralleling changes in HR. Up to treadmill speed of 9 m/s, strong linear correlations were obtained between exercise intensity (and duration) and HR (r = 0.87, P less than 0.05) and PRA (r = 0.93, P less than 0.05). Heart rate and PRA reached a plateau and did not increase when speed was increased from 9 to 10 m/s. Plasma ALDO concentration increased from 48 +/- 16 pg/ml at rest to 191 +/- 72 pg/ml at speed of 10 m/s. Linear relation was found between exercise intensity (and duration) and ALDO concentration (r = 0.97, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

DIETARY VITAMIN D3 INFLUENCE ON SERUM 25-HYDROXY 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). The study with diets containing 0, 0.2 (low), or 0.4 (moderate) International Units vitamin D₃ per gram of dry matter and 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. Conversely, animals consuming diets containing moderate vitamin D₃ levels displayed increased circulating concentrations (15.00 ± 3.59), n?=?8, after 3 weeks. Despite the response to diets supplemented with vitamin D, overall metabolite levels were low and may indicate minimal metabolic dependence on this nutrient in sugar gliders, similar to processes documented in other hindgut fermenters.     

Effect of parenteral vitamin D3 on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration in sheep

Vitamin D3 ranging in total amount from 10(5) iu (2.5 mg) to 9 X 10(5) iu (22.5 mg) was given intramuscularly either as a single injection or in three aliquots at three-weekly intervals to housed nonpregnant ewes on a vitamin D deficient diet. The effects on plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3), the major metabolite of vitamin D, were monitored. The increase in plasma 25-OHD3 showed a large variation between animals and was related to, but not proportional to, the dose. None of the treatments produced 25-OHD3 concentrations greater than those in grazing sheep in summer. Repeated dosing provided for more efficient use of the injected vitamin D3.