The relation between rates of growth and rickets in sheep on diets deficient in vitamin D.

Abstract

The blood picture for Ca, inorganic P and phosphatase during the development of rickets caused by uncomplicated vitamin D deficiency in sheep has been established. The earliest and most distinctive change was found to be in the serum Ca level.Lambs were shown to have sufficient reserves of vitamin D to protect them against avitaminosis D for a period of about 6 weeks as judged by serum Ca levels. Rickets did not develop unless there was a moderate degree of growth and, in such cases, the serum Ca level was below 7 mg./100 ml.The practical application of the results was discussed.The authors desire to acknowledge the co-operation of Dr A. H. H. Fraser in the earlier planning of this work.