# Metabolic Bone Disease in Captive Flying Foxes: A Comprehensive Survey Across Zoological Parks

## TL;DR

Flying foxes in zoos can develop bone disease due to vitamin D3 deficiency, which can be prevented with proper diet.

## Contribution

The study identifies dietary vitamin D3 as crucial for preventing metabolic bone disease in nocturnal flying foxes.

## Key findings

- Flying foxes primarily obtain vitamin D3 from their diet, not sunlight.
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein helps prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption in these nocturnal animals.

## Abstract

Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, can suffer from metabolic bone disease (MBD), a condition that causes bone deformities and is linked to a lack of vitamin D3. Unlike some other animals, flying foxes are thought to obtain most of their vitamin D3 from their diet rather than from sunlight. This study surveyed different zoos to understand why MBD occurs in these nocturnal animals. The results show that feeding flying foxes a diet rich in vitamin D3 is essential to prevent the disease. These findings highlight the importance of proper nutrition for these bats in captivity and could help improve their care and conservation.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is clinically characterized by bone deformities and is associated with vitamin D3 deficiency in diurnal animals. However, the pathogenesis and etiology of this condition in flying foxes, considered nocturnal animals, are poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a survey aimed at various zoological parks housing flying foxes to elucidate the pathogenesis and etiology of MBD in these animals. Our results indicate that vitamin D3 may play a role in preventing metabolic bone disease in flying foxes due to its involvement in calcium absorption. However, these nocturnal animals seem to obtain vitamin D3 primarily through dietary sources in contrast to the cutaneous absorption described in diurnal species. Additionally, our results suggest that an appropriate diet for this species, including fruits, green vegetables, and other protein sources such as animal products and mineral supplementation, could contribute to preventing metabolic bone disease.