Use of local North Carolina browse species to supplement the diet of a captive colony of folivorous primates (Propithecus sp.)

Abstract

The nutrient content and intake of locally available North Carolina browse was evaluated for use as a supplement to a herbivorous primate diet of commercial biscuit and produce. Twice weekly from May to October 1997, total dietary intakes were determined for two groups of folivorous lemurs. Group I consisted of Propithecus diadema diadema (n = 1) and P. tattersalli (n = 1) and group II consisted of P. verreauxi coquereli (n = 3). Six pooled samples of the diet and weekly samples of three browse species, Rhus copallina, Albizia julibrissin, and Liquidamber styrachiflua were analyzed for dry matter, energy, fiber, and nitrogen content. Browse species were also analyzed for nonprotein nitrogen and acidinsoluble nitrogen. Group average dry matter intakes were 37.1 ± 2.2% (mean ± SEM) and 49.7 ± 3.0% of amount offered for groups I and II, respectively. Browse contributed 40.7 ± 2.9% and 29.6 ± 2.4% of the total daily intake for groups I and II, respectively. Browse species differed (P < 0.05) for dry matter, energy, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, lignin, total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available protein. R. copallina and L. styrachiflua were similar in total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and nonprotein nitrogen; A. julibrissin was higher. L. styrachiflua was highest in lignin. Dry matter, acid detergent fiber, and lignin in browse samples increased seasonally (P < 0.05), whereas available protein decreased (P < 0.01). Animals were offered and consumed R. copallina most often, followed by A. julibrisson and L. styrachiflua. With the exception of R. copallina, animals generally consumed only the immature leaves, flowers, or seeds of species offered. Daily dry matterThe use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina ARS or criticism of similar products not mentioned. intake varied because of both browse offered and consumed and biscuit and produce diet consumed. Thus, increased fiber density can be a major benefit of browse use only when incorporated into the total diet with respect to species use, quantity of other diet ingredients offered, and targeted nutrient intakes. Zoo

Effects of Pasture Inclusion of Mimosa on Growth by Sheep and Goats Co-Grazing Grass/Forb Pastures

“…These values are comparable to those reported by others (Addlestone et al, 1999;Luginbuhl and Mueller, 2000;Campbell et al, 2001). If intake is not limited, the level of CP in mimosa is probably more than adequate to meet requirements for actively growing goats and sheep (NRC, 1975;1981).…”

“…Recently, mimosa has been evaluated as a potentiai kee iegume that can be incorporated into ;i-oauction systems to provide high quality forage for small ruminants (Addlestone et al, ,999: Luginbuhl and Mueller, 2000;Bing and Corley, 2004). Leaves of mimosa are weli consumed by livestock and high in protein ie.g., 13 to 30%) (Addlestone et al, 1999;Luginbuhl and Mueller, 2000;Campbell et al, 2001;Bing and Corley, 2004). I n uitro true DM digestibility of 84% of mimosa leaves has also been noted (Luginbuhl and Mueller, 2000).…”

Season, age, and sex affect the fecal mycobiota of free‐ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)

“…Although small amounts of corn were provisioned to help habituate and attract monkeys at our study site, the diet of Tibetan macaques consists of a high proportion of leaves throughout the year (Spring: 82% Young leaves; Summer: 95% mature leaves; Autumn: 47% mature leaves; Winter: 43% mature leaves), supplemented by 15% bamboo shoots and twigs in Spring; 2% stems in Summer; 46% fruits/nuts in the Autumn; and 23% bark, 13% stem, 17% fallen nuts in Winter (Xiong & Wang, ; You et al, ). The leaves, bark and stems consumed by nonhuman primates commonly contain large quantities of cellulose and hemicellulose (Campbell, Glenn, Grossi, & Eisemann, ; Hladik, ). We hypothesize, that the core and abundant genera Aspergillus , Penicillium , and Fusarium detected in wild‐living Tibetan macaque fecal samples play an important role in the digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose.…”

Increased iron absorption in lemurs: Quantitative screening and assessment of dietary prevention

“…It should be determined whether an increase in the proportion of natural browse in the captive diet would be beneficial for lemurs. Examples of the feeding of (temperate) browse to lemurs can be found in Brockman et al [1987], Campbell et al [2001], and Schwitzer et al [2002], and a general summary, including warnings against the use of certain browse species, has been published by the National Research Council [2003].…”