Which vitamin deficiency is linked to stargazing syndrome in raptors?

Stargazing syndrome, also known as hypocalcemic tremors, is a condition observed in raptors that is often linked to a deficiency in Vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism. Raptors require adequate levels of Vitamin D to properly utilize calcium from their diet, which is essential for maintaining healthy bone structure and nerve function. A lack of Vitamin D can lead to hypocalcemia, causing neurological symptoms such as stargazing—where the bird exhibits abnormal head and neck positions, often looking upwards as if gazing at the stars.

In the case of the other vitamins mentioned, Vitamin C is important for overall health and immune function, while Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes. Vitamin A supports vision and reproductive health but is not directly connected to calcium metabolism or the neurological symptoms that characterize stargazing syndrome. Understanding the specific roles of these vitamins in avian health reinforces the importance of a balanced diet tailored to meet the nutritional needs of raptors in falconry.