Tooth wear in captive wild ruminant species differs from that of free-ranging conspecifics
The mesowear method evaluates the wear patterns of herbivore cheek teeth by visually evaluating the facet development of the occlusal surfaces. It thus allows classification of most herbivorous ungulates into browsers, grazers or intermediate feeders, due to the fact that in grazers, tooth wear is characterized by a comparatively high degree of abrasion, most probably […]
Dental care for a captive killer whale, Orcinus orca
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090408.abs The crowns of several teeth of a captive killer whale, particularly on the mandible, were worn to the level of the pulp cavities by biting a cement structure in the pool. Food plugging partially vacant pulp cavities created intense vascularization, inflammation, and eventually a systemic focus for infection. This trauma correlated with an […]
Variation in dental wear and tooth loss among known-aged, older ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta): a comparison between wild and captive individuals
Tooth wear is generally an age-related phenomenon, often assumed to occur at similar rates within populations of primates and other mammals, and has been suggested as a correlate of reduced offspring survival among wild lemurs. Few long-term wild studies have combined detailed study of primate behavior and ecology with dental analyses. Here, we present data […]
Quantitative aspects of the ruminating process in giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) fed with different diets
Giraffes are ruminants feeding on fresh browse and twigs in the wild, but in zoos, their diet is mainly based on alfalfa hay, grains, and pellets occasionally supplemented by twigs and foliage. These diets, which differ in composition and digestibility, affect the behavior of the animals, tooth wear patterns, and chewing efficiency. We quantified several […]