Exotic Animal Nutrition December 5, 2012

Where is animal nutrition now? What Animal Science Has Told Us Can easily formulate specialized diets for livestock and pets Know very precise nutrients in common feedstuffs Physiological stage Level of production Age Clinical diagnosis Size, breed Level of activity

Nutrition in Zoo’s Zoo Nutrition –Traditionally filled by: Veterinarians Keepers Curatorial Staff –Limited nutrition programs with PhD heads Only 8 of more than 230 AZA institutions –Omaha –St. Louis –Indianapolis –San Diego (2) –Lincoln Park –Brookfield –Disney’s Animal Kingdom –Busch Gardens

Ecology tells us what they eat. Nutrition needs to tell us what’s in “what they eat”.

Goals of Feeds and Feeding Promote health and longevity Support production Provide environmental enrichment Least cost

Process of Diet Formulation What is it? What is its anatomy and physiology like? What are feeding strategies and behaviors? Is there a model species I can use to compare requirements? What does it eat in the wild? What are the nutrients in those foods?

Extrapolations

Canids are not created equal Strict carnivore May consume up to 70% vegetation Insects

Ruminant Extrapolations

Hind gut fermenters - Extrapolations

Anatomy and Physiology What does the GIT look like?

Comparing A/P Relative Capacity (% of total GIT weight) Compartme nt ElephantRhinoHorse Stomach Small Intestine Cecum Colon Clemons and Maloiy, 1982

Considerations Heat and cold stress Nutrients in feedstuffs Minerals in feedstuffs – Mineral Interactions Vitamins in feedstuffs –Or losses as with fish Feeds to support appearance –Carotenoids and feather pigmentation Food for training and enrichment Clinical diet management Exhibit design Exhibit mates

Environmental Enrichment & Training Benefits of Foods as Enrichment Variety Safe Provide nutrition Promote natural foraging behaviors Stimulate senses Animal Welfare Public Perception