Diet of the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) on former cattle grounds in a Tanzanian savanna
In otherwise nutrient-poor savannas, fertile vegetation patches are particularly attractive to ungulates because of the higher-quality food they provide. We investigated forage plants and diet of the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) on an abandoned cattle ranch in coastal Tanzania. The forage grasses of highest nutritional quality occurred in former paddock enclosures (bomas) where cattle had […]
25-OH-D3, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase content in sera from captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs at the Denver Zoological Foundation
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20131.abs After the development of rickets in two hand-reared polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs at the Denver Zoological Foundation we initiated a project opportunistically evaluating sera 25-OH-D3, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels in seven mother-reared polar bear cubs. From one to three serum samples were obtained while the cub was still in the […]
Influence of different dietary calcium levels on the digestibility of Ca, Mg, and P in captive-born juvenile Galapagos giant tortoises (Geochelone nigra)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1035.abs Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are very important minerals in reptile nutrition, but many diets still are not balanced. To achieve optimal growth, including a healthy skeleton and a strong shell, a well-balanced supply with these minerals is prerequisite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of diets with different […]
Signalling and phosphorus: correlations between mate signalling effort and body elemental composition in crickets
Recent findings in the field of ecological stoichiometry indicate that the relationships among key macronutrient elements (e.g. carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) of organisms and their resources may underlie variation in fitness-conferring behaviours. The amount of phosphorus in an individual’s body is often correlated with its rate of growth and reproduction, and low-phosphorus diets are known […]
Phosphorus availability influences cricket mate attraction displays
Adopting a stoichiometric perspective (e.g. the balance of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in organisms and their resources) has enhanced our understanding of ecological phenomena at a variety of hierarchical levels of organization. Unfortunately, little is presently known about how stoichiometry directly influences animal behaviour. Here we use a stoichiometric perspective to investigate how phosphorus availability […]
Early growth and bone mineralization of the iguanid lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis in captivity: Is vitamin D3 supplementation or ultraviolet B irradiation necessary?
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430100504.abs The insectivorous, heliophilic iguanid lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, was used in this study. Eight groups of field-collected juveniles were subjected to different doses of ultraviolet-B radiation or were fed crickets maintained on different diets with varying amounts of vitamin D3 and other nutrients. The crickets fed to all groups were dusted with calcium carbonate […]