Circulating levels of α-tocopherol and retinol in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1999 |
Authors: |
A. Savage, K. M. Leong, D. Grobler, J. Lehnhardt, E. S. Dierenfeld, E. F. Stevens, C. P. Aebischer |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
Inc., John Wiley & Sons |
Keywords: |
african elephant (loxodonta africana), fat-soluble vitamins, nutrition, physiological status |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1999)18:4<319::AID-ZOO6>3.3.CO;2-K To date, there are no detailed reports of circulating levels of plasma α-tocopherol and retinol for large samples of free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana). This survey study measured natural circulating levels of α-tocopherol as a measure of vitamin E activity and retinol as an indicator of vitamin A activity, in 70 free-ranging African elephants captured at Kruger National Park as part of a translocation program. Mean levels of α-tocopherol and retinol were found to be 0.613 ± 0.271 μg/mL and 0.039± 0.007 μg/mL, respectively, and did not vary significantly across sex or age class. Elephants appear to normally have low circulating levels of both these nutrients compared with domestic herbivore species; values from healthy, free-ranging elephant populations may provide useful data for assessing nutrient status of captive animals. Zoo Biol 18:319–323, 1999.© 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.