title: Effects of UVB radiation on calcium metabolism in psittacine birds.
abstract: The effects of providing ultraviolet (uv) radiation (285 to 315 nm, ultraviolet B) on calcium metabolism in two groups of 20 healthy grey parrots (Psittacus e erithacus) fed either a seed or pellet-based diet were investigated. There was a significant increase in the concentration of ionised calcium in the plasma of both groups, independent of the calcium and vitamin D(3) content of the diets fed, and a significant increase in the plasma concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in only the seed-fed group. In a separate study there were no significant increases in plasma ionised calcium or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol between March and August in a group of 28 South American parrots (Pionus species) exposed to unfiltered natural sunlight.
authors.affiliation: Birch Heath Veterinary Clinic, Birch Heath Road, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9UU.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stanford
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010311:Parrots / Q000378:metabolism*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D002762:Cholecalciferol; D002118:Calcium