Vitamin D and Alpacas

The most important function of this essential vitamin is to maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus within the body; it achieves this by aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gut, regulating loss from the kidneys, and controlling the mineralisation of bones in growing animals.  

Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin under the influence of UV light. As it is fat-soluble, it can be stored within the body for 6 to 8 weeks.  

Who’s at risk of deficiency? 

Alpacas have adapted to live in a high UV environment, such as those found at the high altitudes of the Andean plains. Therefore, animals living in areas of low altitude and high latitude (such as New Zealand) are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.  

Individuals who are at highest risk are typically those who have less opportunity to synthesise vitamin D in the skin. This includes:  

  • Autumn-born crias  

  • Animals with a darker coat colour  

  • Young/growing   

  • Fleeced alpacas  

  • High parasite burden  

  • Gastro-intestinal upset  

  • Kidney failure  

Clinical signs of deficiency  

The deficiency symptoms we see are the result of the disrupted calcium/phosphorus metabolism within an individual. These can include:  

  • Ill-thrift  

  • Weight loss  

  • Angular limb deformities (rickets)  

  • Enlarged joints (carpus)  

  • Shifting-leg lameness and reluctance to move  

  • Bunny-hopping gait  

  • Pathological fractures  

Vitamin D deficiency should be considered in any lame alpacas. If you have an animal presenting with any of the above symptoms then we recommend having a discussion with your veterinarian. 

Prevention is key!

Whilst mild deficiencies can generally be corrected with treatment, as with most things, prevention is far superior.

The following steps should be taken to prevent vitamin D deficiency:  

• Shear all animals in spring (to maximise vit. D synthesis in the skin)  
• Supplement all growing alpacas (<3yo) in late autumn, mid-winter and early spring  
• Dose 6000iu vitamin D/kg bodyweight under the skin every 8 weeks (2 months)  - This calculates to be 1ml of ‘Hideject’ for an 80kg adult alpaca 
• Supplement pregnant females 4 - 6 weeks pre-partum (e.g. 300 days gestation) to ensure adequate colostrum levels of vitamin D for cria