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

Autor: William B. Karesh, Mahedi Andau, Annelisa M. Kilbourn, Ellen S. Dierenfeld, Edwin J. Bosi, Sylvia Alsisto
Rok vydání: 2006
Předmět:
Zdroj: Zoo Biology. 25:417-431
ISSN: 1098-2361
0733-3188
Popis: 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=2.8–4.1%) of body mass, with a dry matter digestibility averaging 82%. The mean crude protein content of native browses (n=8 spp.) averaged 11.2% (DM basis; range=5–23%, depending on plant part), with available protein measured at 7.8%. Leaves contained significantly (P
Databáze: OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz: