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1 March 2017 ASSESSMENT OF SERUM 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D CONCENTRATIONS IN TWO COLLECTIONS OF CAPTIVE GORILLAS (GORILLA GORILLA GORILLA)
Susan L. Bartlett, Tai C. Chen, Hayley Murphy, Michael F. Holick, Michael Tlusty, Eric Baitchman
Author Affiliations +
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 ± 5.9 ng/ml), despite consuming commercial biscuits fortified with vitamin D3. 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.

Copyright 2017 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Susan L. Bartlett, Tai C. Chen, Hayley Murphy, Michael F. Holick, Michael Tlusty, and Eric Baitchman "ASSESSMENT OF SERUM 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D CONCENTRATIONS IN TWO COLLECTIONS OF CAPTIVE GORILLAS (GORILLA GORILLA GORILLA)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 48(1), 144-151, (1 March 2017). https://doi.org/10.1638/2015-0299.1
Received: 19 February 2016; Published: 1 March 2017
KEYWORDS
25-hydroxyvitamin D
cholecalciferol
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
primate
vitamin D
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