Effect of Diet on the Feces Quality in Javan Langur (Trachypithecus Auratus Auratus)

Abstract

A high intake of easily fermentable carbohydrates and a low intake of fiber material are generally regarded as major factors affecting the health of captive langurs. The effect on fecal consistency of excluding fruits and vegetables from the diet was evaluated in Javan langurs (Trachypithecus auratus auratus). Cross-over trials were carried out at Rotterdam Zoo and at the Apenheul Zoo, The Netherlands. During the first and third dietary period, the langurs were fed their usual diet, which contained fruits, vegetables, langur pellets, and browse. During the second period, the vegetables and fruits were excluded from the diet and the diet essentially consisted of pellets and browse. Feces consistency was scored using a fecal score chart developed for langurs. During the second feeding period the feces consistency improved significantly in animals at both zoos. Across all trials, a firmer feces consistency was correlated with an increase in dietary cell wall (measured as neutral detergent fiber) and a decrease in dietary water. It is suggested that the combined decrease in the intake of soluble sugars, the increase of fiber intake, and a lower amount of dietary water in the diet resulted in more solid stools. The results indicate that a dietary neutral detergent fiber content of approximately 46% in dry matter will result in a feces consistency indicative of undisturbed gut function.

Influence of two different diets on fluid and particle retention time Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus auratus)

“…The finding that the exclusion of vegetables, and an increase of browse and pelleted feeds leads to a better fecal consistency in captive langurs (Nijboer et al, 2006a), was confirmed in this study. These observations underline the importance of the Nutrition Advisory Group feeding recommendation for langurs, which state that fruits, vegetables (except the green, leafy varieties) and energy dense items such as grains or bread should not be used as dietary items for folivorous primates (Edwards et al 1997).…”

“…A significant correlation between the dietary fiber content and feces consistency could be demonstrated (Nijboer et al 2006a). However, there was also a significant correlation between dietary water intake and feces consistency.…”

“…Edwards (1995) summarized anecdotal and studbook data that showed that captive langurs had a dramatically short lifespan in captivity as compared to other primates, and as compared to what would be expected to be an average lifespan in the wild. Most of the problems associated with langur husbandry have been related to diet (Ho¨lihn 1973;Merrit 1982;Edwards 1990;Nijboer et al 2006a).…”

Diet composition, food intake, body condition, and fecal consistency in captive tapirs (Tapirus spp.) in UK collections

“…No significant correlations were found between the mean fecal scores and the dietary nutrient composition (nutrients in %DM), the ingredient composition of the diet (roughages in % DM) nor with the dietary water intake. Our results therefore do not concur with the findings of Nijboer et al (2006a;2006b) where dietary parameters were reported as a decisive factor in determining the fecal consistency in captive colobines. In the Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus), a firmer fecal consistency was correlated to both an increase in NDF and a decrease in dietary water (Nijboer et al, 2006b).…”

“…Our results therefore do not concur with the findings of Nijboer et al (2006a;2006b) where dietary parameters were reported as a decisive factor in determining the fecal consistency in captive colobines. In the Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus), a firmer fecal consistency was correlated to both an increase in NDF and a decrease in dietary water (Nijboer et al, 2006b). Our findings do not confirm such a case in the captive tapir, and we can therefore not extrapolate recommendations for improved fecal consistency in captivity from this study alone.…”