Rabbits kept indoors could be vitamin D deficient

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-04/uoia-rki040914.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 9-Apr-2014

Contact: Diana Yates
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Rabbits kept indoors could be vitamin D deficient

Rabbits that remain indoors may suffer from a lack of vitamin D, researchers report in a new study. In rabbits kept as pets or used in laboratory studies, the deficiency could lead to dental problems, undermine their cardiovascular health, weaken their immune systems and skew scientific findings.

The study found that regular exposure to artificial ultraviolet B light for two weeks doubled rabbits' serum vitamin D levels – an increase not seen in animals raised in artificial light lacking UVB radiation. Future studies will seek to determine optimal levels of UVB exposure and vitamin D levels in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other animals.

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