Research

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9 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Targeted Injections of Ivermectin or Potassium Chloride for Euthanasia of Anesthetized Thorny Devil Stick Insects (Eurycantha calcarata)

by Ashlyn C. Heniff, Melinda A. Gorges, Gregory A. Lewbart and Julie A. Balko

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 231-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010020 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1704

Abstract

Insects are commonly utilized in biomedical research and have become increasingly popular in museum collections and as pets. Despite this, objective evaluation of insect euthanasia is scarce. This study investigated the effectiveness of targeted injections of ivermectin or potassium chloride (KCl) for the [...] Read more.

Insects are commonly utilized in biomedical research and have become increasingly popular in museum collections and as pets. Despite this, objective evaluation of insect euthanasia is scarce. This study investigated the effectiveness of targeted injections of ivermectin or potassium chloride (KCl) for the euthanasia of anesthetized thorny devil stick insects (Eurycantha calcarata). Ten clinically healthy mature insects (six males, four females) were enrolled. Insects were weighed and anesthetized via exposure to a cotton ball soaked with 1.6 mL of liquid isoflurane in a 1 L sealed chamber until loss of righting reflex and response to stimulation (induction). Insects then received one of three treatments: ivermectin 100 mg/kg (n = 4), KCl 200 mEq/kg (n = 4), or 0.9% sodium chloride 100 mL/kg (n = 2) injected along the ventral thoracic midline between the first leg plate and the caudal adjacent plate. Following injection, insects were serially monitored for return of spontaneous movement and righting reflex. Death was defined as the absence of spontaneous movement for 48 h. Median (range) induction time and isoflurane concentration at induction was 36 (22–39) min (n = 9) and 22 (19–22)%, respectively. Euthanasia was successful in 4/4, 3/4, and 0/2 isoflurane-anesthetized insects receiving ivermectin, KCl, or 0.9% sodium chloride, respectively. Recovery was prolonged at 10.5 (sodium chloride female), 11.0 (KCl male), and 18.0 (sodium chloride male) hours. This is the first prospective investigation of euthanasia in adult E. calcarata. In this preliminary study, ivermectin 100 mg/kg via ventral midline injection was effective for euthanasia of thorny devil stick insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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18 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Predictors and Outcomes of Higher Allostatic Load across Zoo-Housed African Great Apes

by Ashley N. Edes, Katie L. Edwards, Dawn Zimmerman, Balbine Jourdan, Douglas E. Crews, Barbara A. Wolfe, Donald L. Neiffer and Janine L. Brown

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 158-175; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010016 - 01 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1846

Abstract

Stressors over the lifespan can contribute to physiological dysregulation, or allostatic load. Allostatic load has been studied in humans using allostatic load indices (ALIs) for over 25 years, but the same methods are rarely applied to other species. We constructed an ALI for [...] Read more.

Stressors over the lifespan can contribute to physiological dysregulation, or allostatic load. Allostatic load has been studied in humans using allostatic load indices (ALIs) for over 25 years, but the same methods are rarely applied to other species. We constructed an ALI for zoo-housed western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos and tested potential predictors of and health outcomes associated with allostatic load. Allostatic load scores ranged from 0–6 for gorillas and chimpanzees and 0–7 for bonobos. Age was significantly associated with allostatic load in gorillas and chimpanzees but not bonobos. Cumulative stressful events were positively associated with allostatic load in chimpanzees. Wild-caught gorillas had higher allostatic load than zoo-born conspecifics, but rearing differences between zoo-born animals were not significant for any species. Age may affect associations of allostatic load with stressful events and birthplace as results change when it is included as a covariate. Allostatic load was not retained in best-fit models for risk of all-cause morbidity, cardiac disease, or mortality risk. Some analyses herein were limited by the use of retrospective data, such as reason for sample collection and length of records provided for individual animals. Nevertheless, these data indicate additional research is needed to optimize ALIs for non-human primates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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12 pages, 2634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Pyrantel Pamoate Treatment on Fecal Pinworm (Leidynema appendiculata) Parasites of Dietary Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia): Efforts to Eliminate Passthrough Fecal Pseudoparasites in Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs (Echinops telfairi)

by Elizabeth Browder, Sabrina Kapp, Kimberly Ange-van Heugten, James Flowers, Larry S. Christian and Daniel S. Dombrowski

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 146-157; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010015 - 10 Feb 2023

Viewed by 3305

Abstract

Pinworm ova were discovered on lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) fecal exams. Ova were passthrough pseudoparasite pinworms originating from feeder roaches (Blaptica dubia). Roaches were maintained as a feeder colony and offered to tenrecs as a portion of their diet. Pinworms [...] Read more.

Pinworm ova were discovered on lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) fecal exams. Ova were passthrough pseudoparasite pinworms originating from feeder roaches (Blaptica dubia). Roaches were maintained as a feeder colony and offered to tenrecs as a portion of their diet. Pinworms were identified as Leidynema appendiculata. This study aimed to determine if these pinworms could be eliminated from the roaches. Roaches were randomly assigned into groups (n = 24), including a control (A) and four treatment groups (B–E). Treatment group roaches received oral dosing of anthelmintic pyrantel pamoate at four concentrations (mg/g as offered): 3.5 (Group B), 14.0 (Group C), 26.0 (Group D), and 35.0 (Group E). Roach diets were made weekly and offered to roaches 2 consecutive days per week for 3 consecutive weeks. The total pinworm ova per gram of roach feces examined were visually reduced in all treatment groups compared to controls at the end of the feed dosing period (Day 23). Post-treatment pinworm numbers were visually reduced in all treatment groups compared to controls on Day 29 and Day 65. Groups receiving higher concentrations of the oral dosing (C–E) significantly differed from controls at Day 29 (p = 0.0086, p = 0.0045, and p = 0.0013, respectively) with a concentration-dependent response. Parasites were not eliminated in any group at Day 29 or 65 post-treatment, with an increasing visual trend indicating recontamination. This is the first report confirming a passthrough pseudoparasite in tenrecs from dubia roaches, and anthelmintic dosage research is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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12 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Carotenoid Concentrations in Livers of Marine Toads (Rhinella marina)

by Hanna Lee, Larry J. Minter, Troy N. Tollefson, Frank Ridgley, Dustin Smith, Kimberly Treiber, Heather Scott, Brigid V. Troan and Kimberly D. Ange-van Heugten

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 134-145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010014 - 08 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1434

Abstract

Global amphibian population decline is a major concern. Therefore, conservation centers have become increasingly needed for population sustainability breeding programs. This need makes proper nutrition programs while in human care imperative. The specific nutritional focus of this current research was to analyze vitamin [...] Read more.

Global amphibian population decline is a major concern. Therefore, conservation centers have become increasingly needed for population sustainability breeding programs. This need makes proper nutrition programs while in human care imperative. The specific nutritional focus of this current research was to analyze vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoid (apocarotenoid, β-carotene, β-carotene ester, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lutein ester, zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin ester) concentrations in the liver of 66 free-range marine toads (Rhinella marina) over a two-month period after entering human management. Toads were fed supplemented crickets randomly assigned to one of two diets: Diet 1 consisted of brown house crickets (Acheta domestica) gut loaded with Mazuri^® Cricket Diet 5M38 and small amounts of sweet potato and carrots; Diet 2 consisted of an identical diet with the gut loaded crickets additionally dusted with Repashy^® Superfoods Vitamin A Plus. Ten toads were euthanized prior to human management on Day 0 to assess baseline liver nutrients. Seven toads consuming each of the two diets (14 toads total) were euthanized on Days 9, 15, 32, and 62. Regardless of diet treatment, there were decreases (p < 0.05) in all the analyzed nutrient concentrations over the 62-day human management period. The results from this study indicate that higher dietary vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoid content may be needed and/or the cricket gut loading and dusting techniques used to feed the amphibians food source insects may be inadequate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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10 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reference Intervals and Clinical Utility of Acute Phase Proteins and Serum Proteins Electrophoresis in the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas)

by Megan L. Cabot, Nicholas G. Dannemiller, Carolyn Cray and Larry J. Minter

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 108-117; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010012 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1024

Abstract

Measurements of specific acute phase proteins (APP) and protein electrophoresis (EPH) fractions have been widely used to better assess the health of species under managed care across numerous taxa. To date, APP assays have not been validated in the hamadryas baboon (Papio [...] Read more.

Measurements of specific acute phase proteins (APP) and protein electrophoresis (EPH) fractions have been widely used to better assess the health of species under managed care across numerous taxa. To date, APP assays have not been validated in the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), and reference intervals have not yet been established. This information is critical for the interpretation of APP and EPH measurements used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases during routine veterinary care of this species. To obtain this information, banked serum samples from hamadryas baboons of various age, sex, and health status, under managed care at the North Carolina Zoo, were analyzed. A small pilot study found significantly higher serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) but not haptoglobin in baboons with acute inflammation compared to healthy counterparts, so these two APPs were investigated further. Reagents for serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were validated, although differences in CRP reagents were observed. Based on the results of this study, SAA and CRP were defined as major APPs that were significantly increased in baboons with active inflammation or infection compared to healthy conspecifics. Baboons with acute inflammation additionally had significantly higher gamma globulins compared to healthy baboons. Although mean albumin concentrations were lower in baboons with acute inflammation, the difference from healthy baboons was not statistically significant. This study identifies SAA, CRP, and EPH as useful tools in the diagnosis of inflammatory disease in the hamadryas baboon and establishes reference intervals to aid in the future veterinary care of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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9 pages, 678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Prolonged Serum Storage Time and Varied Temperatures on Biochemical Values in African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana)

by Emily L. Schlake, Katherine R. Cassady, Erika J. Gruber and Larry J. Minter

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 12-20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010002 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

Blood samples are routinely collected from wild populations in remote locations with limited electricity, minimal diagnostic capabilities, and extreme environmental conditions. Under these conditions, serum samples may be stored for prolonged time under varied temperatures prior to processing, which could affect the ability [...] Read more.

Blood samples are routinely collected from wild populations in remote locations with limited electricity, minimal diagnostic capabilities, and extreme environmental conditions. Under these conditions, serum samples may be stored for prolonged time under varied temperatures prior to processing, which could affect the ability to interpretation the results. This study’s objective was to evaluate the effects of delayed processing of serum samples and varied storage temperatures on biochemical values in African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana). Blood samples were collected from six elephants managed by the North Carolina Zoo. For each elephant, seven red top tubes were collected. One serum sample for each elephant was analyzed on Day 0 (control group). The remaining samples were stored under different temperatures including room temperature (23 °C), refrigeration (2.2 °C), and incubation (32.2 °C), with samples from each temperature group being analyzed on Day 5 and Day 10. Many of analytes (10 out of 18) did not change significantly regardless of storage temperature or time. Refrigeration improved stability in an additional four analytes over prolonged storage. We conclude that if serum is properly separated shortly after collection, many serum biochemical analytes can be accurately measured even after suboptimal serum storage, but refrigeration and prompt evaluation are still required for some analytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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11 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whole Blood Fatty Acid Profiles of Cold-Stunned Juvenile Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Loggerhead Sea Turtles

by Ashlyn C. Heniff, Larry J. Minter, Craig A. Harms, Doug Bibus, Elizabeth A. Koutsos and Kimberly D. Ange-van Heugten

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 1-11; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010001 - 26 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1779

Abstract

When subjected to cold environmental temperatures, cheloniid sea turtles can experience debilitating lethargy, anorexia, and potential mortality in a phenomenon known as cold-stunning. Every year, hundreds to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles are transported to rehabilitation centers for medical and nutritional care. The [...] Read more.

When subjected to cold environmental temperatures, cheloniid sea turtles can experience debilitating lethargy, anorexia, and potential mortality in a phenomenon known as cold-stunning. Every year, hundreds to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles are transported to rehabilitation centers for medical and nutritional care. The objective of this study was to investigate one aspect of nutritional status in cold-stunned sea turtles: fatty acid profiles. Blood was collected from eleven green (Chelonia mydas), twelve Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and three loggerhead (Caretta caretta) juvenile sea turtles found cold-stunned along the coast of North Carolina, USA. Whole blood (~160 µL) was dried onto specialized paper spot cards, frozen, and subsequently analyzed via gas chromatography to quantify fatty acid percentages. Significant differences among species were identified for 19 out of 36 individual fatty acids analyzed and six out of seven fatty acid groups evaluated (P < 0.5). The whole blood fatty acid profiles of cold-stunned green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were similar to prior published profiles of healthy conspecifics. Marginal numerical differences noted upon visual comparison included that cold-stunned sea turtles had lower proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monoenes and higher proportions of total saturated fatty acids relative to healthy conspecifics. These differences may reflect acute impacts of cold-stunning on circulating plasma fatty acids or may be the result of natural seasonal variations. These data provide practical information to aid in the diet design of sea turtles in rehabilitation settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

11 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Training a Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) for Voluntary Foot Radiographs at Dubai Safari Park

by Demi Booth, Amos Kamau, Henry Kayondo, Anna Mae Sumaya and Muhammad Waseem Ashraf

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(4), 688-698; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3040051 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2812

Abstract

When 0.1 Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) began displaying signs of lameness and a persistent swelling of the front left pastern joint, an operant based training program was created for front foot radiographs to diagnose and better manage lameness. Using a [...] Read more.

When 0.1 Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) began displaying signs of lameness and a persistent swelling of the front left pastern joint, an operant based training program was created for front foot radiographs to diagnose and better manage lameness. Using a protected contact set up, behaviour was shaped using a positive reinforcement procedure. A series of cued behaviors were trained and used to obtain dorsolateral palmar medial oblique front foot radiographs to aid vets in diagnosing the cause of lameness. By training giraffes for foot radiographs, potential causes of lameness could be identified and better managed. Long-term, the results may help zoos identify best practices for managing and preventing lameness in giraffe and subsequently improve welfare. Training animals to participate in their own medical care can improve welfare by giving them a sense of control within the situation. Training for medical procedures helps to reduce the stress imposed on the giraffe and the associated risks compared to alternative methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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11 pages, 1324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunoglobulin A and Physiologic Correlates of Well-Being in Asian Elephants

by Anneke Moresco, Natalia Prado, Maura Davis, Amy L. Schreier, Taylor S. Readyhough, Sharon Joseph, Charlie Gray and Janine L. Brown

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(4), 677-687; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3040050 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1626

Abstract

Zoological institutions aim to continually improve the lives of the animals under their stewardship. To this end, bull elephants are now increasingly maintained in all-male groups to mimic social conditions observed in the wild. While cortisol is the most frequently used “stress” biomarker, [...] Read more.

Zoological institutions aim to continually improve the lives of the animals under their stewardship. To this end, bull elephants are now increasingly maintained in all-male groups to mimic social conditions observed in the wild. While cortisol is the most frequently used “stress” biomarker, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) as a measure of health and positive affect, and the social hormone, oxytocin, are increasingly viewed as additional markers of welfare. The introduction of a pair of bull elephants to an existing group of three bull elephants at Denver Zoo presented an opportunity to assess sIgA, oxytocin and cortisol in response to the socialization process. In this study, sIgA varied greatly between individuals and did not correlate with cortisol but did correlate with salivary oxytocin. sIgA and oxytocin concentrations differed the most between social and solo situations during the introduction period compared to before bulls were introduced, and after a stable group had been formed. In contrast to findings in some species, sIgA and oxytocin were higher when housed alone than socially. Nonetheless, these results suggest that sIgA and oxytocin may be involved in social engagement and establishment of new social dynamics, and thus provide more insight into overall welfare states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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12 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Hematocrit and Biochemical Analytes among Two Point-of-Care Analyzers (EPOC and i-STAT Alinity v) and a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in the African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

by Hayley S. Stratton, Kimberly D. Ange-van Heugten and Larry J. Minter

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(4), 653-664; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3040048 - 24 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1904

Abstract

This study compared hematocrit measured with the EPOC and i-STAT Alinity v point-of-care analyzers and manual measurement of packed cell volume in managed African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) and southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Biochemical analytes were also [...] Read more.

This study compared hematocrit measured with the EPOC and i-STAT Alinity v point-of-care analyzers and manual measurement of packed cell volume in managed African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) and southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Biochemical analytes were also measured with the EPOC, i-STAT Alinity v, and a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the same animals. Analytes assessed included blood urea nitrogen, chloride, creatinine, glucose, ionized calcium, potassium, and sodium. There were no differences for hematocrit values for African savanna elephants or southern white rhinoceros (p ≤ 0.05). In African savanna elephants, there were no differences between the EPOC and i-STAT Alinity v analyzers for any measured analytes except ionized calcium. When compared to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, there were differences for a majority of the biochemical analytes measured on the EPOC and i-STAT Alinity v analyzers in African savanna elephants. In southern white rhinoceros, there were differences for a majority of analytes among all three analyzers. While differences existed among the portable analyzers and a veterinary diagnostic laboratory for biochemical analytes in both species, these numerically small differences are unlikely to be clinically significant. For routine health care of African savanna elephants and southern white rhinoceros, these point-of-care analyzers may be a useful alternative to commercial analyzers for the parameters evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

10 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatty Acid Profiles in Managed Care Green and Kemp’s Ridley Turtles over Time

by Hayley S. Jones, Larry J. Minter, Craig Harms, Doug Bibus, Liz Koutsos and Kimberly Ange-van Heugten

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(4), 545-554; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3040040 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1732

Abstract

To understand fatty acid status and the potential impact of sample storage, dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected from fourteen green turtles and ten Kemp’s ridleys undergoing rehabilitation. Half the DBS samples from each animal species were collected in 2021 and sent [...] Read more.

To understand fatty acid status and the potential impact of sample storage, dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected from fourteen green turtles and ten Kemp’s ridleys undergoing rehabilitation. Half the DBS samples from each animal species were collected in 2021 and sent for immediate analysis while the other half were collected in 2017 from different animals and stored at −80 °C for 4 years before analysis. The blood fatty acid profiles in both species during rehabilitation differed visually from prior wild turtle data. Essential fatty acids linoleic (18:2w6) and linolenic acid (18:3w3) were higher in green turtles than in Kemp’s ridleys but both were approximately half of the percentage previously found in wild turtles. No difference in arachidonic acid between species in rehabilitation were found but percentages were approximately 10% of wild representatives. Sea turtle diets in rehabilitation management may need to be evaluated to ensure species-specific fatty acid balance. Twenty-eight of the 36 individual fatty acids tested were found and all seven fatty acid groupings were detected. When analyzed by storage time, 11 individual fatty acids and four fatty acid groups differed (p = 0.05). When compared by species, 14 individual fatty acids and three groups differed. Current data suggest DBS samples may be best utilized when analyzed immediately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

9 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Whole Blood Fatty Acid Profiles between Lionfish (Pterois spp.) in Wild and Managed Care Environments

by Nicholas G. Dannemiller, Emily F. Christiansen, Craig A. Harms, Larry J. Minter and Kimberly D. Ange-van Heugten

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 357-365; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030028 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2476

Abstract

Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) health issues in managed care environments. This study’s objective was to establish and compare whole blood fatty acid profiles in wild and aquarium lionfish. Whole blood samples were dried onto [...] Read more.

Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) health issues in managed care environments. This study’s objective was to establish and compare whole blood fatty acid profiles in wild and aquarium lionfish. Whole blood samples were dried onto specialized high-quality paper cards from wild, invasive lionfish harvested off the North Carolina coast (n = 16) and lionfish managed by the North Carolina Aquariums (n = 12). Blood fatty acid profiles were analyzed from dried blood spots. Aquarium lionfish had significantly (p < 0.05) higher linoleic (18:2ω6) and eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3) acid levels than wild lionfish. Similarly, aquarium lionfish had significantly (p < 0.05) lower saturated fatty acids and arachidonic (20:4ω6) to eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3) ratios than wild lionfish. Total omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as the ratio of these two fatty acid groups, were similar between wild and aquarium lionfish. Gut content analysis of wild lionfish diets included reef-dependent and schooling fish while aquarium lionfish diets were pelagic fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and commercial gel diets with nutrient supplements. This study reports whole blood fatty acid profiles in lionfish, providing comparative macronutrient data that may be useful for improving their nutrition and welfare in aquariums. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

16 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Circulating Fatty Acid Profiles in Free-Ranging and Managed Care Marine Toads (Rhinella marina) with a Comparison of Whole-Blood Vial and Whole-Blood Dried Blood Spot Card Analyses

by Melissa L. Witt, Larry J. Minter, Troy N. Tollefson, Frank Ridgley, Kimberly Treiber, Dustin Smith, Doug Bibus, Heather Scott and Kimberly Ange-van Heugten

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(3), 300-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3030024 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1811

Abstract

This study provides novel data on circulating concentrations of whole-blood fatty acids (FAs) in marine toads (Rhinella marina) via dried blood spot (DBS) card technology as a potential amphibian model species. Free-ranging (n = 10) animals were compared to managed populations fed [...] Read more.

This study provides novel data on circulating concentrations of whole-blood fatty acids (FAs) in marine toads (Rhinella marina) via dried blood spot (DBS) card technology as a potential amphibian model species. Free-ranging (n = 10) animals were compared to managed populations fed two diet strategies for 60 days (n = 6 per diet). Thirty-six individual FAs were analyzed, with 28 found in significant reportable quantities. Eight FA groupings were represented. Traditional whole-blood vial (WBV) FA percentages were also collected and compared to DBS after managed care for 60 days. Results showed eleven individual FAs and four FA groups were higher in free-ranging toads (n = 10; p ≤ 0.05), while three FAs and three groups were higher in managed care (n = 12; p ≤ 0.05). FA concentrations compared between DBS cards and WBV at day 60 generally agreed, although two individual FAs and one grouping were higher in DBS (p ≤ 0.05). When free-ranging FAs were analyzed by sex, four individual FAs and two groupings were higher in females, while four individual FAs and one grouping were higher in males. Understanding normal FA circulating levels and how husbandry changes them may impact amphibian health. Additionally, DBS cards may provide a convenient sampling tool for fieldwork. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 651 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conservation Innovations and Future Directions for the Study of Rhinoceros Gut Microbiome

by Christina M. Burnham, Kimberly Ange-van Heugten, Erin A. McKenney, Larry J. Minter and Shweta Trivedi

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(2), 396-412; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4020030 - 02 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

Rhinoceros are among the largest and most endangered herbivores in the world. Three of the five extant species are critically endangered, with poaching and habitat loss contributing heavily to declines. The gut microbiome is an essential facet of host health and digestion, mediating [...] Read more.

Rhinoceros are among the largest and most endangered herbivores in the world. Three of the five extant species are critically endangered, with poaching and habitat loss contributing heavily to declines. The gut microbiome is an essential facet of host health and digestion, mediating a variety of immune and physiological functions. Certain microbes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for reproductive outcomes and predictors of disease susceptibility. Therefore, assessing gut microbial dynamics in relation to wild and managed rhinoceros populations has particular relevance for zoos and other conservation organizations that maintain assurance populations of these charismatic megafauna. The functional gut microbiomes associated with all rhinoceros species remain poorly studied, and many published reports are limited by small sample sizes and sex biases. In this review, we synthesize current research to examine the rhinoceros gut microbiome under human management and resulting conservation implications, address common pitfalls of wildlife gut microbiome studies, and propose future avenues of research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques Used to Improve Animal Health and Welfare)

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