Comparison of parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in serum and urine of nyala (Tragelaphus angassi) on concentrates or a forage only diet

Citation

Ball RL, Burton M, St. Leger J, Dummon ceaux G. 2003. Comparison of parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in serum and urine of nyala (Tragelaphus angassi) on concentrates or a forage only diet. In Ward A, Brooks M, Maslanka M, Eds. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Minneapolis, MN.

Abstract

The nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) herd at Busch Gardens Tampa has historically had one of the highest incidences of Johne’s disease (Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Mptb) within the collection. A 10-yr epidemiologic review at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay revealed 27/83 (32.5%) Mptb culture positive individuals. At the time of this trial, 20/21 positive animals were also noted to be hypocalcemia. It was decided that the remainder of this herd, nine females, be euthanatized as a control measure. The herd had been maintained on ad libitum alfalfa hay and commercial zoo herbivore pellets (Mazuri® ADF #16 Herbivore, St. Louis, Missouri 63166 USA) fed at the manufacturers recommended rate of 10 g/kg body weight. Water was available free choice. The herd was processed through a drop chute for baseline collection of blood and urine. Serum, EDTA, Na citrate, and heparin blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. Complete blood counts (CBC), serum biochemical profiles, ionized calcium (iCa), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH CC vit D were performed. The herd was then restricted to ad libitum access to alfalfa hay and browse for 5 wk. At the end of the 5 wk, the herd was again processed through the drop chute over 3 days and the same samples collected. Student T-test was utilized to compare the mean values of serum and urine electrolytes, serum PTH, and serum vitamin D between the two diets.

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