A contribution to the trace element nutrition of captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)

Citation

Clauss M, Castell JC, Kienzle E, Schramel P, Dierenfeld ES, Flach EJ, Behlert O, Ortmann S, Streich WJ, Hummel J, Hatt JM. 2005. A contribution to the trace element nutrition of captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis). In Graffam W, Hellinga D, Maslanka M, Ward A, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Omaha, NE.

Abstract

Due to the potential involvement of trace mineral imbalances in health problems observed in captive rhinoceroses, there has been recent interest in trace mineral provision by and absorption from captive diets. In one investigation, forage of free-ranging black rhinoceroses contained, on average, 6.5 (range: 3.0-12.2) mg copper (Cu)/kg dry matter (DM), 113 (29-215) mg iron (Fe)/kg DM, 89 (11-269) mg manganese (Mn)/kg DM, and 18 (3-67) mg zinc (Zn)/kg DM. In another investigation, Fe levels up to 116 mg/kg DM were reported. As compared to horse recommendations (Cu: 10 mg/kg DM, Fe: 40 mg/kg DM, Mn: 40 mg/kg DM, Zn: 40 mg/kg DM), these values appear low in Cu and Zn. Here, we wanted to compare dietary trace mineral content of captive diets to these figures, and test whether obvious deviations in trace element absorption could be detected in black rhinoceroses as compared to data from horses.

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