The feeding of rhinoceros in captivity

Abstract

Rhinoceros are large herbivores that are adapted for gaining energy from the fermentation of fibrous plant material. In this paper we address issues of oversupplementation of energy (leading to obesity) and minerals (particularly iron in Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis), outline a diet design that relies on forage as the staple component with a reduction in use of pelleted compound feeds and give suggestions for supplement provision. Acquisition of adequate roughage is probably the most important step in the feeding management of large herbivores and should be regarded and organized accordingly. Ration calculation must be an integral part of diet design to avoid the imbalances that are currently observed, especially in relation to mineral provision. The use of grain or grain products in pelleted compound feeds is largely discouraged.

Comparative investigations on digestion in grazing (Ceratotherium simum) and browsing (Diceros bicornis) rhinoceroses

“…Based on data collected from various feeding trials, these assumptions seem to be confirmed Clauss et al 2006a). Potentially related to that, experience indicates that the black rhino can be considered a more challenging herbivore to feed in captivity compared to its grazing relative (Dierenfeld 1995;Dierenfeld 1999;Clauss et al 2006b). …”

“…Clauss et al (2006b) interpreted the shorter MRT fluid in grazing ruminants as a consequence of a higher fluid throughput, necessary to achieve the physical mechanisms for the flotation and sedimentation described to be important for the functioning of the fermentation chamber of grazing ruminants. In terms of energy metabolism, it could be due to a higher relevance of the soluble digesta fraction in browse; in fact, the soluble fiber fraction (e.g.…”

The relationship between forage cell wall content and voluntary food intake in mammalian herbivores

“…6e). However, this rule is not universal; for example, black rhinoceroses Diceros bicornis , although strict browsers in the wild, readily accept grass hay in captivity (Clauss & Hatt 2006). The provision of natural forages is even more problematic in captive primates (Clauss & Dierenfeld 2008), and it is not surprising that intake studies with primates on whole natural forages are absent from this data collation.…”

Carnivorous mammals: nutrient digestibility and energy evaluation

“…A typical example is that when feeding lower amounts of food to obese animals to facilitate weight reduction, the protein content of the diet needs to be increased in order to prevent protein deficiency and loss of lean body mass. As concerns about obesity have arisen in many zoo species [Schwitzer and Kaumanns, 2001;Clauss and Hatt, 2006;Hatt and Clauss, 2006;Cocks, 2007;Videan et al, 2007], an approach to estimate energy provision via food-similar to the estimations used in domestic carnivores [NRC Council, 2006]-would be useful in facilitating control calculations of energy intake.…”