Haired mammals synthesize vitamin D through ultraviolet exposure on skin beneath their fur.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 79/100
Evidence from studies on dairy cattle confirms that haired mammals synthesize vitamin D through ultraviolet exposure on their skin, although the fur coat acts as a barrier that reduces UV-B absorption.
Evidence for · 2
Effects of UV-B light exposure during automatic milking on vitamin D levels in Holstein Friesian cows
2025 · cited by 3
Demonstrates that UV-B irradiation during milking significantly increases vitamin D levels in both shaved and unshaved dairy cows, confirming synthesis occurs even with fur present.
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More for · 1
UV-B light irradiation during automatic milking for vitamin D supplementation in dairy cows
2024 · cited by 0
Confirms that cattle synthesize vitamin D in the skin via ultraviolet irradiation, though hair acts to reduce UV-B absorption.