Vitamin D Supplementation in Alpacas: Preventing Rickets in the UK Climate

Being deficient in vitamin D results in the alpacas being unable to absorb adequate calcium and phosphorus from their gut and kidneys. Instead, they mobilise this calcium from their bones for use in other metabolic processes and deplete this store, resulting in bone thinning and being more prone to fractures. Some alpacas are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, this includes dark/heavy fleeced alpacas, alpacas undergoing prolonged housing, pregnant animals or growing animals. There is a particularly high risk in cria born in late summer due to minimal vitamin D levels in colostrum as the dams’ levels have been depleted, and low UV levels in their early months of life. 

Rickets is a painful and debilitating condition. Affected alpacas may present with valgus (limb angulation laterally), short stride, bunny hopping gait, reluctance to play, toe dragging, “elephant on a ball” stance, painful joints and poor growth. Diagnosis can be confirmed by blood vitamin D and phosphorus levels or x-rays of long bones.

To prevent vitamin D deficiency, supplementation is recommended in all alpacas from October to March. There are various products available to use. Injectable products deliver a reliable dose and are not required to be repeated as frequently as other methods of supplementation. Pregnant animals should receive another dose 1 month prior to unpacking. Too high doses have the potential for Vitamin D toxicity which can result in calcification of multiple organs and resulting organ failure. 

It should be noted that there are a number of injectable Vitamin D preparations available, the majority of these are at a concentration of 75 – 100,000 IU/ml but one that is available for import by vets on a special licence (ADE-Vit, Bioveta) is at a concentration of 100,000IU/ml and so the volume to be administered is 1/10th that of many of the other preparations.  

Oral supplementation of Vitamin D needs a higher dosing level and frequency throughout the risk period. It should be remembered that formulated hard feeds are another source of vitamin D. 

For more information and tailored guidance on supplementation for your alpacas, please contact the practice to discuss with one of our vets.