Vitamin E in Captive and Wild Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

Dierenfeld, Ellen S.; Toit, R. Du; Miller, R. Eric

doi:10.7589/0090-3558-24.3.547

Cited by 24 publications

(23 citation statements)

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“…Vitamin E Circulating vitamin E levels of both free-ranging and captive rhinoceros are generally very low (Dierenfeld et al, 1988;Clauss et al, 2002). Since 1991 vitamin E supplementation of rhinoceros has increased and, on average, higher circulating vitamin E levels have been detected (Clauss et al, 2002).…”

Section: Iron (Fe)mentioning

confidence: 99%

The feeding of rhinoceros in captivity

Clauss¹,

Hatt²

2006

International Zoo Yearbook

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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.

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Section: Iron (Fe)mentioning

confidence: 99%

The feeding of rhinoceros in captivity

Clauss¹,

Hatt²

2006

International Zoo Yearbook

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“…However, the Sumatran rhinoceros in captivity face these risks and hemosiderosis lesions have been identified despite diets of natural browses at SRBC (A.K., personal observation). Iron overload can also place an increased demand on vitamin E reservoirs, as it does in black rhinoceros [Dierenfeld et al, 1988]. Vitamin E deficiency is known to cause disorders of the reproductive, muscular, circulatory, and nervous systems in multiple species including the rhinoceros [Papas et al, 1991].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intake, utilization, and composition of browses consumed by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni) in captivity in Sabah, Malaysia

et al. 2006

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The significant threats to the fewer than 30 wild Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni, the Bornean sub-species of the Sumatran rhinoceros, are obvious and include poaching, habitat loss, and environmental changes. Subtle effects on population survival, however, include nutritional or other diseases, which affect morbidity and reproductive success. To address these issues and focus on animals within their natural range, this feeding trial and analysis characterizes the diet fed to the only three captive D. s. harissoni in the world housed at the Sumatran Rhino Breeding Center (SRBC) in Sabah, Malaysia. The study provides an indication of the variance in nutrient composition in local browse, and a comparison with other captive feeding studies. Mean dry matter intake (DMI), comprising $90% native browse species, equaled 3.55% (range 5 2.8-4.1%) of body mass, with a dry matter digestibility averaging 82%. The mean crude protein content of native browses (n 5 8 spp.) averaged 11.2% (DM basis; range 5 5-23%, depending on plant part), with available protein measured at 7.8%. Leaves contained significantly (Po0.001) more crude protein, and less (Po0.001) fiber (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin) than twig fractions analyzed, but animals consumed both fractions rather non-selectively. Of minerals quantified, Na and P were potentially limiting in native browses compared to equid nutrient requirements, and Se may have been marginal. Ca, K, and Fe levels in particular were high in most native browses. Specifically, iron ranged from 45-1,400 mg/kg (mean 5 230 mg/kg DM), with only three preferred species containing this nutrient at o100 mg/kg. Excess dietary iron has been linked with health issues in browsing rhinos. Additionally, high levels of other minerals (for example Mn, with a mean of 382 mg/kg DM in this study), can precipitate deficiencies in crucial elements such as calcium. In view of the structural and chemical variations of the different parts of the same plants, dietary guidelines should be developed and incorporated into the basic husbandry of these animals that include increasing the number and combinations of species of browse offered daily to adjust for variance in protein, fiber, other nutritional components and food preference, to increasing the quantity of food offered per day based on desired weight gain and reproductive status. This, combined with information on the free-ranging rhinoceros diet composition, and additional intake and digestibility trials (with concurrent serum analysis to evaluate nutritional status) should greatly assist in providing optimal diets for this highly endangered species.

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“…50 Researchers found lower circulating vitamin E levels in captive black rhinoceros when compared with free-ranging animals. 8,13 In addition, researchers demonstrated that native forage consumed by free-ranging black rhinoceroses was higher in vitamin E and fat than diets of captive black rhinos. 7,12 Supplementation of the diet fed to captive black rhinoceros with vitamin E was advocated.…”

Section: Hemolytic Anemiamentioning

confidence: 97%

A Review of Some of the Health Issues of Captive Black Rhinoceroses (Diceros Bicornis)

Dennis

Funk

Rajala‐Schultz

et al. 2007

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

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In captivity, black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) are beset by many disease syndromes not described in black rhinoceroses in the wild. Hemolytic anemia, hepatopathy, and ulcerative dermatopathy that lead to increased morbidity and mortality characterize these syndromes. It is uncertain whether these are separate disease syndromes with different etiologies or the same disease with different manifestations. This article offers a brief review of some of the health issues of concern for the captive black rhinoceros population and proposes some possible avenues of research for consideration.

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Vitamin E in Captive and Wild Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

Cited by 24 publications

References 0 publications

The feeding of rhinoceros in captivity

The feeding of rhinoceros in captivity

Intake, utilization, and composition of browses consumed by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni) in captivity in Sabah, Malaysia

A Review of Some of the Health Issues of Captive Black Rhinoceroses (Diceros Bicornis)

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