VITAMIN D - When to give

The Industry Standard is to give this monthly during wet/cloudy weather. In Southern States - this is during Winter. In Queensland - this is during our Wet Season in Summer. Some breeders like to give Vitamin D with Phosphorous - such as Coforta or CophosB, as it is thought that the D is absorbed better when given together, like when taking Calcium with Magnesium.



What other times of the year do you give Vitamin D

• Some breeders like to give to pregnant females 6wks prior to birth
• Some breeders give the week following birth
• Some breeders give orally to crias on the day of birth, at one and two months of age and then they fall in line with the herd
• Some breeders like to give a weaning as this is a stressful time for them
• If you have a sick or stressed animal, it is recommended to give to them at this time

What are the symptoms of Rickets - Vitamin D deficiency

• If you find an animal limping, especially with shifting lameness from one leg / foot to another, examine for injury and if none found - this can be a symptom.
• Hairloss on the face, especially bridge of ears and nose or around feet - not caused by mites/lice or rain scald, this can be a symptom.
• Humped back, when not caused by injury or worm burden, can be a sign of Rickets.

We recently gave our monthly shots of Vitamin D/CophosB, only to find two animals within a week were showing signs of Rickets:

• 1 x Recently Confirmed Pregnant Female: has a history of needing more D than other animals with hairloss around face. At this time we found her limping as well with no signs of injury.
• 1 x Tui Male that had surgery, presented with shifting lameness - the stress of the surgery has caused him to dump his stores and he is in need of more.

 

31 Dec 14