Hand-Rearing Wild Caribou Calves for Studies of Nutritional Ecology
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2013 |
Authors: |
Katherine L. Parker, Perry S. Barboza |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
caribou, hand rearing, lactation, milk formula, rangifer |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are considered difficult to hand-rear in captivity because they are sensitive to the composition and volume of formulated milks. We used a strict feeding schedule and a commercial milk formula designed specifically for caribou to bottle-feed neonates captured from five wild caribou herds in Alaska. Under a feeding protocol adjusted for age and mass, the growth rates and body mass of 26 hand-reared caribou calves to weaning were similar to those of three maternally nursed caribou. This protocol allows caretakers to hand-rear caribou that are as representative as possible of maternally raised neonates. Zoo Biol. 32:163–171, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.