Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) milk composition during the first 280 days of lactation
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1994 |
Authors: |
Susan A. Mainka, Robert M. Cooper, Sandra R. Black, Ellen S. Dierenfeld |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
captive breeding, infant formula, nutrition |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130412.abs Milk samples (n = 10) taken during the first 280 days of lactation from one Asian elephant were examined for nutrient composition including total solids, protein, fat, ash, α-tocopherol, and retinol levels. Total solids averaged 19.7 ± 2.7% SD (range 15.0–23.3). Percent protein remained fairly stable throughout this portion of lactation and averaged 3.4 ± 0.3% (range 3.0–.4.0). Ash content averaged 0.54 ± 0.03%. Milk fat and fat soluble vitamin levels varied considerably with a suggestion of a cyclic pattern. Fat content of milk averaged 7.6 ± 2.6% (range 3.9–.12.1); α-tocopheral levels averaged 0.33 ± 0.12 μg/ml; and retinol levels averaged 0.46 ± 0.1 μg/ml. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.