NUTRITION (cont)
Primates may have special requirements for certain nutrients such as vitamin C. A deficiency in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) produces scurvy - a disease frequently characterized by subgingival hemorrhage.
Vitamin D3 is required by all New World monkeys. A deficiency causes osteodystrophia fibrosa or "rubber jaw”. A similar clinical syndrome known as rickets is caused by an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the diet.
Fruits such as apples and oranges can be used in cases where animals require encouragement to eat. Fruits may also serve as an environmental enrichment and promote the psychological well being of primates.