Vitamin D

With winter fast approaching and the days getting shorter it is time to get on to the vitamin D injections. After speaking to our vet on increasing the dosage, we were told under no circumstance should we give any more than the 0.05ml to a cria and no more than 0.1ml to an adult using 'Kattle Care Vitamec D3' brand of product. The Vitamec D3 has a high IU of 1,000,000 IU (the strength of the formulation). We use diabetic syringe that measure small doses.

Dosages suitable for AD3E injectable solution that have a IU of 50,000 to 75,000 IU are 0.5ml for crias and 1 to 1.5ml for large alpacas (Garner-Paulin, 2005).

Overdosing alpacas on vitamin D can effect the kidneys by causing calcification in the kidneys.

There is an excellent article on vitamin D in the Summer 2005 edition of Alpacas Australia magazine (Issue 48, page 14).

References:
Hypophosphatemic Rickets and Osteomalacia in Alpacas. Elizabeth Garner-Paulin. Alpacas Australia, Issue 48, Summer 2005.

Alpaca Maintenance - More information on alpacas

Putting weight on thin alpacas
Fencing for alpacas
How to determine signs of a sick alpaca
Basic first aid kit for alpacas
Alpaca body temperatures
Can cold and wet weather affect alpacas?
Making sense of the alpaca fibre analysis
Rye grass staggers
Taking the perfect alpaca photograph
Facial abscess
Berserk male syndrome
Vitamin D
Weaning
Constipated crias
Preparation for Winter
Keeping alpaca records
Alpacas need head-space
Testing for parasites
Birthing help
Cutting Toenails
A Working Dog's Guide to Alpacas
Paddock Maintenance
Alpacas for Pets
Alpacas as Sheep Guardians