Milk production and composition in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): effect of lactational stage

Milk composition of a free-ranging white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) during late lactation

“…For most other animals, the information is limited to the content of the major nutrients which are not studied in more detail (Landete-Castillejos et al 2000;Gjøstein et al 2004). Regarding the pachyderms, milk of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) has been studied in great detail (McCullagh and Widdowson 1970;Osthoff et al 2005) as well as the oligosaccharides of the milk of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) (Kunz et al 1999;Uemura et al 2006).…”

Landscape Variation in the Diet and Productivity of Reindeer in Alaska Based on Stable Isotope Analyses

“…We found that a fourfold increase in serum d The proportion of shrubs in the diet during May (when antlers first start to grow) was highly and positively correlated with AC d 15 N values. Even though gain during spring in female reindeer is inversely correlated with initial weight (Fauchald et al, 2004), lighter females may not reach a similar body mass in autumn as animals starting in good spring body condition (Gjøstein et al, 2004). Hence, one would expect females with lower protein reserves in spring to increase the proportion of protein in their diets to support lactation and to regain lean mass.…”

Milk composition of free-ranging sable antelope (Hippotragus niger)

“…For most other ruminants, the information is limited to the content of the major nutrients which are not studied in more detail (Landete-Castillejos et al 2000;Gjøstein et al 2004). Regarding the wild animals, more information is also known for the milk of the deer species than the antelope (Oftedal 1984;Landete-Castillejos et al 2000;Gjøstein et al 2004).…”

“…It feeds on high grasses, and the condition of grazing in the habitat of the sable antelope seldom reaches that of a semidesert region. The milk is therefore not as concentrated as in animals that live in extreme harsh conditions, such as the springbok (Van Zyl and Wehmeyer 1970) or reindeer (Gjøstein et al 2004). Breeding is seasonal from January to March, with a peak in February in the vegetative area where the animals under study lived.…”

“…For most other ruminants, the information is limited to the content of the major nutrients which are not studied in more detail (Landete-Castillejos et al 2000;Gjøstein et al 2004). Regarding the wild animals, more information is also known for the milk of the deer species than the antelope (Oftedal 1984;Landete-Castillejos et al 2000;Gjøstein et al 2004). Apart from the proximate composition of the springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), black wildebeest (Connochaetus gnou), eland (Taurotragus oryx) (Van Zyl and Wehmeyer 1970) and blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) (Von Ketelholdt 1976), very little is known about the milk of African ruminants.…”