Case Study: Iron in Black Rhinoceros Diets: The Impact of Pasture

Citation

Mimiko J, Stringer E, Parsons J. 2017. Case Study: Iron in Black Rhinoceros Diets: The Impact of Pasture. In Ward A, Coslik A, Brooks M Eds. Proceedings of the Twelfth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition Foundation and AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Frisco, TX.

Abstract

Over the course of a year, serum ferritin and iron in a black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) increased over time, despite a prescribed diet low in iron. To identify additional sources of iron intake, vegetation in the enclosure was analyzed for iron content. Iron concentrations in enclosure samples averaged 736 ppm, well in excess of maximum recommended total-diet concentrations of 300 ppm. The rhinoceros consumes pasture grass in the enclosure, which may be leading to high iron intake and subsequent internal accumulation. We recommend that institutions holding iron-sensitive rhinoceros species test any vegetation available to the animals, and not only prescribed feeds.

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