Which vitamin is essential for preventing disease in orphaned wildlife?

Vitamin A is crucial for preventing disease in orphaned wildlife due to its vital role in maintaining healthy immune function, vision, and skin integrity. This vitamin supports the development and function of epithelial tissues, which act as barriers against pathogens, thereby enhancing the overall immune response. In orphaned animals, who may be transitioning from their mother's milk to solid food, ensuring they receive adequate Vitamin A is essential for their growth and development, as well as for preventing diseases linked to deficiencies, such as respiratory infections and impaired vision.

Other vitamins play significant roles in animal health as well—Vitamin B is important for energy metabolism, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports immune health, and Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health—but Vitamin A is particularly noteworthy for its direct impact on the immune system and disease prevention in young or orphaned wildlife.