A research and diagnostic laboratory specialising in Vitamin D biology research in companion, production and wild animals
Vitamin D Animal Laboratory (VitDAL)
Led by Professor Richard Mellanby, we explore the relationship between vitamin D, inflammation and health outcomes in companion, farm and wild animals.
Research
VitDAL is based in the Roslin Institute and the Queen’s Medical Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh and brings together expertise in clinical veterinary endocrionology and nutrition, proteomics and immunology with the overarching ambition of advancing understanding of vitamin D biology in all species.
Assay Service
The VitDAL have developed an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) assay to accurately key vitamin D metabolites in serum and plasma.
Latest News
VitDAL finds link between anaemia and vitamin D status in cats
VitDAL have recently published a study which examined the relationship between vitamin D and anaemia in hospitalised cats. Many studies have examined the relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations and red blood cell concentrations in human patients but this...
VitDAL explores seasonal changes of vitamin D status in dogs
In the VitDAL's most recent study which was published this week, the team explored whether the vitamin D status of a cohort changed during the seasons. In humans, it is well known that peak vitamin D status occurs in late summer with a nadir at the end of winter which...
VitDAL recognised at BSAVA 2020
The work of VitDAL was recognised this month by BSAVA which awarded the Blaine Award to Richard Mellanby. The Blaine Award is made in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal science in its widest context by a qualified veterinarian.