THE VITAMIN D STATUS OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) MANAGED IN A NORTHERN TEMPERATE CLIMATE.

Knowledge about the normal metabolism and involvement of vitamin D in elephant calcium homeostasis is essential to understanding the possible role of vitamin D in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) health, as well as to informing accurate diet formulation. This study provides an evaluation of analytes involved in vitamin D metabolism, in conjunction with dietary intake and ultraviolet light (UV) exposure, in Asian elephants managed in a northern temperate climate. Once monthly, for a total of 12 mo, serum from six adult Asian elephants was analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium (Ca), ionized calcium (iCa), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg). The diet was analyzed monthly for vitamin D, Ca, and P. Monthly average vitamin D-weighted UV daily sums were determined to gauge average UV light exposure within the vitamin D action spectrum. No serum or diet parameters were affected by time or season. Average serum 25(OH)D2 was 7.02 ± 0.85 ng/ml. 25(OH)D3 levels were nondetectable in all samples despite supplementation of the diet with recommended levels of vitamin D3, and UV exposure was at sufficient levels for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis for 6 mo of the year. Levels of 24,25(OH)2D averaged 31.7% higher than 25(OH)D, and average 1,25(OH)2D2 was 11.24 ± 1.04 pg/ml. Values for PTH, Ca, iCa, P, and Mg were within expected ranges for Asian elephants. The information gained from this research expands the knowledge base for these analytes, evaluates 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D for the first time, and provides new information regarding vitamin D metabolism and test interpretation in the Asian elephant.