High protein milk replacer for the hand-rearing of a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) at Zoo Miami

Citation

Treiber KH, Glick VJ, Power ML, and Bissell H. 2021. High protein milk replacer for the hand-rearing of a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) at Zoo Miami. In Brooks M, Koutsos E, and Henry B Eds. Proceedings of the Fourteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition Foundation and AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Virtual.

Abstract

A giant anteater pup was hand-reared at Zoo Miami after being rejected by its mother. Based on high protein maternal milk composition in giant anteaters the pup was started on a high protein milk replacer (Zoologic 42/25) but after several days of weight loss was switched to a high fat milk replacer (Zoologic 30/52). Although apparently healthy, the pup continued to have a lower growth rate despite high energy intake. Once the pup was stable, higher protein was reintroduced to the formula as Zoologic 42/25 and then whey protein powder to better reflect expected maternal milk protein. These adjustments were associated with higher growth rates and lower apparent energy requirements. Increasing protein, particularly whey protein, in anteater hand-rearing formulas may promote more natural growth and metabolism.

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