VITAMIN D STATUS OF INDOOR-HOUSED HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS (CHOLOEPUS HOFFMANNI): A PILOT STUDY

Disorders of calcium homeostasis have been reported with some frequency in two-toed sloths, yet little investigation has been performed on vitamin D and mineral metabolism in these species. This study evaluates biomarkers involved in vitamin D and calcium metabolism in a group of nine managed Hoffmann's twotoed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), correlated with diet analysis. Serum was analyzed for both vitamin D-2 and D-3 metabolites, minerals (calcium [Ca], phosphorus 111, and magnesium [Mg]), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and ionized calcium (iCa). The diet was analyzed for proximate nutrients, minerals and vitamins D-3 and D-3, and feed intake was estimated. Average values reported for D 3 metabolites, including 25(OH)D-3, 1,25(OH)(2)D-3, and 24,25(OH)(2)D-3, were 25.1 ng/ml, 52.23 pg/ml, and 7.65 ng/ml, respectively. Average PTH was 0.22 pmol/L while average iCa was 1.46 mmol/L. Values reported for Ca, P, Mg were within expected ranges. Dietary concentration of D-3 was 6.7 ng/g and the average daily intake per sloth was 113.7 IU/Icg body weight. No detectable levels of vitamin D-2 metabolites 25(OH)D-2, 1,25(OH)(3)D-3, or 24,25(OH)(2)D-2 were found in the diet or serum. These data will serve as a starting point for future investigations into the vitamin D metabolism and calcium homeostasis of two-toed sloths to improve the health in managed settings.