Fat Soluble Vitamins in Blood and Tissues of Free-Ranging and Captive Rhinoceros

Clauß, Marcus; Jessup, David A.; Norkus, Edward; Chen, Thomas; Holick, Michael F.; Streich, W J; Dierenfeld, Ellen S.

doi:10.7589/0090-3558-38.2.402

Cited by 15 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Blood analyses suggest that mineral metabolism in rhinoceroses is similar to that in horses (Dierenfeld et al, unpublished results), although there are marked differences in vitamin metabolism [Clauss et al, 2002]. However, this conclusion has not yet been confirmed by nutritional studies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 52%

Energy and mineral nutrition and water intake in the captive Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Clauss¹,

Polster²,

Kienzle³

et al. 2005

Zoo Biology

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In the captive Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), two disease complexes with a high incidence-chronic foot problems and uterine leiomyomas-may be linked to excess body weight (BW). In this study, intake and digestion trials were conducted (by means of 7-day weigh-backs, and 5-day total fecal collections, respectively) with I I Indian rhinoceroses at four zoological institutions in Europe and the United States to quantify energy and mineral nutrition on conventional or roughage-only diets. Diets comprising a variety of forages (grass hay only, a combination of grass hay and grass silage, straw, or a mixture of grass and legume hay) were offered as the roughage source, along with various concentrates, produce, and supplements. Water intake was quantified, and urine samples were obtained opportunistically. The animals consumed 0.5-1.1% of their BW in dry matter (DM) daily, with calculated digestible energy (DE, in megajoules MJ) values ranging from 0.27 to 0.99 MJ DE/kg BW0.75/day compared to an estimated requirement of 0.49-0.66 MJ DE/kg BW0.75/day. Seven of 11 rhinos (64%) fed restricted levels of concentrate plus forage consumed DE in excess of this estimate. Even on roughage-only diets, some individuals consumed energy well above the presumed metabolic requirements. Hence, restriction of both concentrates and roughage may be important for weight management in this species. Water intake ranged from 30 to 49 mL/kg BW daily (3.4-5.2 L/kg ingested DM), similar to values that have been reported for domestic equids. Excretion amounts and patterns also resembled those found in horses. Endogenous fecal losses measured for Ca, P, Cu, Fe, and Zn indicate that the maintenance requirements of these minerals should be met in Indian rhinoceroses by diets that meet recommendations for domestic horses. It is particularly important to evaluate dietary adequacy in mineral nutrition in this species in concert with the need for restricted energy intake, especially with regard to the hypothetical involvement of a low Zn supply in chronic foot problems

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 52%

Energy and mineral nutrition and water intake in the captive Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Clauss¹,

Polster²,

Kienzle³

et al. 2005

Zoo Biology

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“…42 Recently, a study of fatsoluble vitamins in blood and tissues of free-ranging and captive rhinoceroses found significantly higher levels of circulating vitamin E since 1990 in captive compared with free-ranging black rhinoceroses. 6 Researchers suggest that currently there might be oversupplementation in captive animals. 6 The relationship between hemolytic anemia and vitamin E in black rhinos is still unclear.…”

Section: Hemolytic Anemiamentioning

confidence: 98%

“…6 Researchers suggest that currently there might be oversupplementation in captive animals. 6 The relationship between hemolytic anemia and vitamin E in black rhinos is still unclear.…”

Section: Hemolytic Anemiamentioning

confidence: 98%

A Review of Some of the Health Issues of Captive Black Rhinoceroses (Diceros Bicornis)

Dennis

Funk

Rajala‐Schultz

et al. 2007

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

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In captivity, black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) are beset by many disease syndromes not described in black rhinoceroses in the wild. Hemolytic anemia, hepatopathy, and ulcerative dermatopathy that lead to increased morbidity and mortality characterize these syndromes. It is uncertain whether these are separate disease syndromes with different etiologies or the same disease with different manifestations. This article offers a brief review of some of the health issues of concern for the captive black rhinoceros population and proposes some possible avenues of research for consideration.

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“…Stool consistency problems, gastric torsion, and metabolic imbalances have been reported, possibly due to captive diets [Papas et al, 1991;Dierenfeld, 1995;Smith et al, 1995;Dierenfeld et al, 1995;Paglia and Dennis, 1999]. Excesses or deficiencies in several feed components, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin E, and protein have been linked to diseases in browsing rhinos [Miller et al, 1986;Hardy and Adams, 1989;Papas et al, 1991;Smith et al, 1995;Clauss et al, 2002;Grant et al, 2002;Dierenfeld et al, 2005]. Captive recommendations to offer browses such that nutrient intake more closely duplicates natural forage composition [Dierenfeld et al, 1994[Dierenfeld et al, , 2000Dierenfeld, 1995;Clauss et al, 2002] have been suggested, but appropriate quantities or combinations, as well as seasonal and local nutritional variability of these browses can be significant.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Excesses or deficiencies in several feed components, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin E, and protein have been linked to diseases in browsing rhinos [Miller et al, 1986;Hardy and Adams, 1989;Papas et al, 1991;Smith et al, 1995;Clauss et al, 2002;Grant et al, 2002;Dierenfeld et al, 2005]. Captive recommendations to offer browses such that nutrient intake more closely duplicates natural forage composition [Dierenfeld et al, 1994[Dierenfeld et al, , 2000Dierenfeld, 1995;Clauss et al, 2002] have been suggested, but appropriate quantities or combinations, as well as seasonal and local nutritional variability of these browses can be significant. This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and utilization of diets fed to captive Sumatran rhinos in Sabah, Malaysia, in an effort to better define diet suitability for improved captive dietary management and nutrition of the species based on the resources available in country.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intake, utilization, and composition of browses consumed by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni) in captivity in Sabah, Malaysia

et al. 2006

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The significant threats to the fewer than 30 wild Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni, the Bornean sub-species of the Sumatran rhinoceros, are obvious and include poaching, habitat loss, and environmental changes. Subtle effects on population survival, however, include nutritional or other diseases, which affect morbidity and reproductive success. To address these issues and focus on animals within their natural range, this feeding trial and analysis characterizes the diet fed to the only three captive D. s. harissoni in the world housed at the Sumatran Rhino Breeding Center (SRBC) in Sabah, Malaysia. The study provides an indication of the variance in nutrient composition in local browse, and a comparison with other captive feeding studies. Mean dry matter intake (DMI), comprising $90% native browse species, equaled 3.55% (range 5 2.8-4.1%) of body mass, with a dry matter digestibility averaging 82%. The mean crude protein content of native browses (n 5 8 spp.) averaged 11.2% (DM basis; range 5 5-23%, depending on plant part), with available protein measured at 7.8%. Leaves contained significantly (Po0.001) more crude protein, and less (Po0.001) fiber (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin) than twig fractions analyzed, but animals consumed both fractions rather non-selectively. Of minerals quantified, Na and P were potentially limiting in native browses compared to equid nutrient requirements, and Se may have been marginal. Ca, K, and Fe levels in particular were high in most native browses. Specifically, iron ranged from 45-1,400 mg/kg (mean 5 230 mg/kg DM), with only three preferred species containing this nutrient at o100 mg/kg. Excess dietary iron has been linked with health issues in browsing rhinos. Additionally, high levels of other minerals (for example Mn, with a mean of 382 mg/kg DM in this study), can precipitate deficiencies in crucial elements such as calcium. In view of the structural and chemical variations of the different parts of the same plants, dietary guidelines should be developed and incorporated into the basic husbandry of these animals that include increasing the number and combinations of species of browse offered daily to adjust for variance in protein, fiber, other nutritional components and food preference, to increasing the quantity of food offered per day based on desired weight gain and reproductive status. This, combined with information on the free-ranging rhinoceros diet composition, and additional intake and digestibility trials (with concurrent serum analysis to evaluate nutritional status) should greatly assist in providing optimal diets for this highly endangered species.

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Fat Soluble Vitamins in Blood and Tissues of Free-Ranging and Captive Rhinoceros

Cited by 15 publications

References 32 publications

Energy and mineral nutrition and water intake in the captive Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Energy and mineral nutrition and water intake in the captive Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

A Review of Some of the Health Issues of Captive Black Rhinoceroses (Diceros Bicornis)

Intake, utilization, and composition of browses consumed by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni) in captivity in Sabah, Malaysia

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