Ellen S. Dierenfeld

Essential fatty acid profiles differ across diets and browse of black rhinoceros.

In captivity, black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) suffer from idiopathic skin lesions that may be linked to dietary deficiencies, in particular essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). Therefore, a study was undertaken from July 1995 to May 1997 to characterize the diet of captive D. bicornisin North American zoos and measure fat and fatty acid composition in zoo diet, and African and North American browses. Descriptions of all dietary items offered to black rhinos on a daily basis were compiled from 20 North American zoos; zoo diet contained (mean ± SE) 61 ± 2% hay, 28 ± 2% grain pellets, 6 ± 1% produce, and 5 ± 1% fresh browse, with hay and grain pellets together comprising nearly 90% of items offered. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) was used to measure triacylglycerol equivalent (TAG), total fatty acids (TFA), and essential fatty acids (EFA) in zoo diet, and African and North American browses. North American browse contained more TAG and TFA than did zoo diet or African browse. Zoo diet contained more linoleic acid (18:2n6) and less linolenic acid (18:3n3) than either African browse corrected for degradation losses or North American browse, whether measured as weight percentage of dry sample or as weight percentage of TFA. In addition, the ratio of 18:2n6 to 18: 3n3 was significantly lower in both browses than in zoo diet. There are significant nutritional differences between the major dietary components of North American captive black rhinoceros diets and native African browses that warrant further exploration given the health problems associated with this animal in captivity.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS (HAEMATOPUS PALLIATUS PALLIATUS) IN GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA

The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus palliatus) is the only species of oystercatcher native to the Atlantic coast of North America and is restricted in distribution to intertidal shellfish beds in coastal areas. Currently, the American Oystercatcher population in South Carolina and Georgia is threatened by widespread habitat loss, resulting in low reproductive success and small population size. Oystercatchers could be an important indicator of ecosystem health because they depend on quality coastal breeding habitat and prey on bivalves, which can accumulate toxins and pathogens from the local environment. Data were collected from American Oystercatchers (n=171) captured at five sites in South Carolina and Georgia between 2001 and 2006. Iridial depigmentation was frequently noted during physical examination and was more prevalent in female birds. Female birds were larger than males on average, but ranges for weight and morphometric measurements had considerable overlap. Mean values were calculated for hematology, plasma biochemistry, and hormone levels, and prevalence of exposure to select pathogens was determined. Mercury was the only trace metal detected in blood samples. These data provide baseline health information needed for longitudinal monitoring and conservation efforts for American Oystercatchers. In addition, this study illustrates the potential use of this species as an indicator for the health of the southeastern US coastal nearshore ecosystem.

Feeding Behavior and Nutrition of the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps)

Despite the sugar gliders popularity as a pet and a long-term history of captive management in zoologic institutions, little is known concerning their specific nutritional requirements, apart from low basal energy and protein needs. Sugar gliders feed on plant and insect exudates-saps, gums, nectar, manna, honeydew, and lerp-as energy sources and rely on pollen and arthropods for dietary protein. Captive diets based on nutritionally balanced, commercially available products developed for other species, with added produce, have been fed successfully in zoo and private glider colonies, but these diets may not promote optimal gut function or feeding behaviors. Diets commonly fed by private owners were examined in feeding trials and were found to be highly digestible, but contained excess protein that was likely imbalanced in amino acids, as well as in calcium and phosphorus, because of improper supplementation. Suggestions are outlined for areas of relevant research to improve nutritional husbandry of sugar gliders.

Feeding Behavior and Nutrition of the African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

Despite their wide global distribution and popularity as pets, little is known concerning specific nutritional requirements of hedgehogs. They inhabit a wide variety of environments from desert to temperate forest, and they display flexible and opportunistic feeding behaviors. Natural diets include invertebrate and vertebrate prey, carrion, and plant material. Hedgehogs have enzymatic ability to digest chitin from insect exoskeletons as a dietary fiber source, but they do not seem to digest cellulose efficiently. Captive diets based on nutritionally balanced commercially available products containing moderate levels of protein (30%-50%, dry basis) and fat (10%-20%) are suitable for the omnivorous hedgehog.

Survey of Minerals and Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Captive Black and White Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata)

Abstract Serum and whole blood samples from 64 clinically normal captive black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata), aged 6 mo to 32 yr, were analyzed to survey mineral and fat-soluble vitamin concentrations. All animals were fed a commercial primate food and a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Specific commercial diet information was available for 52 animals that were fed one of 10 different diets. Data analysis showed no differences in the analytes attributable to sex or access to natural ultraviolet light. Serum phosphorus (range: 1.4–3.1 mmol/L) was significantly higher and retinol (range: 0.38–1.23 µmol/L) was significantly lower in young animals (≤4 yr). Iron (range: 17.2–77.0 µmol/L) and copper (range: 10.7–53.3 µmol/L) were much higher than concentrations reported in other free-ranging lemur species, and in some animals were at levels considered potentially toxic in domestic animals. Magnesium (range: 0.66–2.04 mmol/L), sodium (range: 111–201 mmol/L), and potassium (range: 2.0–6.8 mmol/L) ranged both lower and higher than concentrations considered adequate for a mammal, but were similar to concentrations reported in wild red ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra), a closely related species. Selenium (range: 3.5–7.7 µmol/L) was within the range expected for a mammal, but higher than concentrations reported in wild V. rubra. Zinc (range: 9.2–62.7 µmol/L) was similar to concentrations reported in V. rubra. Calcidiol (range: <12.5–144.8 nmol/L) and retinol (range: 0.38–2.95 µmol/L) were both lower and higher than concentrations reported in V. rubra. Lower serum calcidiol concentration correlated with lower commercial dietary vitamin D3. α-tocopherol (range: 1.2–17.6 µmol/L) and γ-tocopherol (range: 0.3–3.9 µmol/L) were within a range expected in a captive frugivorous primate but higher than concentrations found in wild V. rubra.

Red Panda Nutrition: How to Feed a Vegetarian Carnivore

Publisher Summary nThis chapter provides an overview of the history of captive red panda diet development by discussing the anatomy and basal metabolic rate of red pandas, feeding ecology, nutritional recommendations for red pandas, and the effect of the diet on nutrition-related problems, and fecal quality. Red pandas, although classified with in Carnivora, exhibit highly herbivorous dietary habits with a specialization on bamboo leaves and shoots. They possess anatomical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations adapted for this feeding strategy, but no gastrointestinal modifications related to herbivory. Thus, although bamboo is rather poorly digested by red pandas, captive diets containing nutrient profiles that more closely mimic native bamboos, including high fiber content, result in improved gastrointestinal and oral health in this species, compared with more historical cereal/grain-based diets supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins. The use of moderately digestible, nutritionally complete dry high fibre diets developed through controlled feeding trials, compared to gruels or porridges, contributes to improved fecal quality indices and dental health. Dry diets should be supplemented with 200–400 g bamboo or other natural sources of dietary fibre (when bamboo is not available) to encourage natural feeding behaviors, as well as for nutritional and dietary enrichment. The intake of limited animal proteins and enhanced predatory behaviors in red pandas are often noted more frequently during breeding/reproductive periods.

Chapter 14 – Red Panda Nutrition: How to Feed a Vegetarian Carnivore

Publisher Summary nThis chapter provides an overview of the history of captive red panda diet development by discussing the anatomy and basal metabolic rate of red pandas, feeding ecology, nutritional recommendations for red pandas, and the effect of the diet on nutrition-related problems, and fecal quality. Red pandas, although classified with in Carnivora, exhibit highly herbivorous dietary habits with a specialization on bamboo leaves and shoots. They possess anatomical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations adapted for this feeding strategy, but no gastrointestinal modifications related to herbivory. Thus, although bamboo is rather poorly digested by red pandas, captive diets containing nutrient profiles that more closely mimic native bamboos, including high fiber content, result in improved gastrointestinal and oral health in this species, compared with more historical cereal/grain-based diets supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins. The use of moderately digestible, nutritionally complete dry high fibre diets developed through controlled feeding trials, compared to gruels or porridges, contributes to improved fecal quality indices and dental health. Dry diets should be supplemented with 200–400 g bamboo or other natural sources of dietary fibre (when bamboo is not available) to encourage natural feeding behaviors, as well as for nutritional and dietary enrichment. The intake of limited animal proteins and enhanced predatory behaviors in red pandas are often noted more frequently during breeding/reproductive periods.

Red Panda Nutrition

Publisher Summary nThis chapter provides an overview of the history of captive red panda diet development by discussing the anatomy and basal metabolic rate of red pandas, feeding ecology, nutritional recommendations for red pandas, and the effect of the diet on nutrition-related problems, and fecal quality. Red pandas, although classified with in Carnivora, exhibit highly herbivorous dietary habits with a specialization on bamboo leaves and shoots. They possess anatomical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations adapted for this feeding strategy, but no gastrointestinal modifications related to herbivory. Thus, although bamboo is rather poorly digested by red pandas, captive diets containing nutrient profiles that more closely mimic native bamboos, including high fiber content, result in improved gastrointestinal and oral health in this species, compared with more historical cereal/grain-based diets supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins. The use of moderately digestible, nutritionally complete dry high fibre diets developed through controlled feeding trials, compared to gruels or porridges, contributes to improved fecal quality indices and dental health. Dry diets should be supplemented with 200–400 g bamboo or other natural sources of dietary fibre (when bamboo is not available) to encourage natural feeding behaviors, as well as for nutritional and dietary enrichment. The intake of limited animal proteins and enhanced predatory behaviors in red pandas are often noted more frequently during breeding/reproductive periods.