Nutrition of Six Selected Neo-Tropical Mammals in Trinidad and Tobago with the Potential for Domestication

Abstract

This review highlights the available literature on the nutrition of six neo-tropical animals with the potential for domestication—the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina/D. aguti), lappe (Agouti paca), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), manicou/opossum (Didelphis marsupialis insularis), collared peccary (Peccary tajucu) and the red brokcet deer (Mazama americana). Over 100 references were used, spanning over 100 years. The earliest being 1915 and the most recent being 2018. The references used in this review were synthesized to give a detailed look of the dentition, anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and type of feed these animals consume. Nutritional requirements of the animals are required to understand what is needed for growth, maintenance and reproduction of each physiological stage. The agouti (D. leporina/D. aguti) was observed to be a monogastric mammal that fed primarily on fruits, seeds, animal matter and practiced caecotrophy. The lappe/paca (C. paca/A. paca) was described as a strict herbivore and a frugivore which practiced caecotrophy, with a diet that varied throughout the year, according to food availability. The capybara (H. hydrochaeris) was found to be the largest known rodent and was described as a semiaquatic hindgut fermenter that practiced caecotrophy. The manicou/opossum (D. marsupialis insularis) was found to be an omnivore with a simple stomach. The collared peccary (T. tajacu) was found to be frugivorous. Their unique stomach enabled them to consume a wide variety of feedstuff, allowing them to be found in a wide range of habitats. The red brocket deer (M. americana), a ruminant, was described as a browser that consumed mainly fruits and seeds and they frequented mineral lick. Knowledge of what they consume in the wild is important, so that we know what to feed in captivity. There is also the need to evaluate captive diets while trying to domesticate these mammals and develop nutrient requirement tables for these neo-tropical animals. Finally, an understanding of the dentition and gastrointestinal tract is important to increase efficiency (nutritional and cost). These six neo-tropical mammals were chosen due to their prevalence as game species in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dystocia in a Captive Reared Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

“…Dookie et al [15] reported a feed particle size preference of 12.7 mm × 25.4 mm. Lall et al [16] reviewed the diets of these animals in captivity and in the wild. It was summarised that the agouti was frugivorous, herbivorous and opportunistic in its feeding behaviour.…”

Evaluation of Unconventional Supplements to the Diet of Intensively Reared Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad, West Indies

“…They have small home ranges and are essential as seed dispersers [ 2 , 3 ]. They are monogastric mammals that practice caecotrophy and coprophagy [ 4 ]. Wild agoutis have been reported to consume pulp from fruits that are plentiful and the seeds when fruits are scarce [ 5 ].…”

Endoparasites of Selected Native Non-Domesticated Mammals in the Neotropics (New World Tropics)

“…Recently, the agouti, D. leporina, has been studied in more detail, with focus on the anatomy of the male and female reproductive system, oestrus cycle in the female (28-31 days) as well as semen analysis using electroejaculation [5][6][7][8] Further anatomical investigations of the digestive system of the agoutis revealed that the majority of the gastrointestinal tract was small intestine in conjunction with a large cecum [9]. The agoutis mainly are frugivorous with the majority of the diet consisting of nuts and fruits, with potentially a preferential particle size [10][11][12][13]. Earlier it was found that these animals were rather omnivorous and would consume eggs and chicks [14].…”

“…The lappe was decribed as a frugivore, the manicou as an omnivore, the collared peccary as a pseudo-ruminant herbivore, and the red brocket deer was grouped with ruminants [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The manicou has a gestation period of three weeks [17,18].…”