Nutrient intake and apparent digestibility of diets consumed by captive duikers at the Dambari Field Station, Zimbabwe
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2002 |
Authors: |
Amy B. Plowman |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
browse, cephalophus spp, fiber, fruit, sylvicapra grimmia, vegetable |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10035.abs The nutrient intake and apparent digestibility of two diets fed to seven species of captive duikers at the Dambari Field Station, Zimbabwe, were examined. The original diet consisted of pellets, mixed grain, and fruit (approximately 11% protein, 21% NDF) and the revised diet of pellets and vegetables (approximately 14% protein, 31% NDF). The revised diet resulted in an increased intake of protein and fiber, and a reduced intake of nonstructural carbohydrate and fat, and was therefore more comparable to the natural diets of duikers. The revised diet also resulted in an increased intake of most minerals (except sodium). Total dry-matter intake increased on the revised diet, but estimated digestible energy decreased. The revised diet was intended to provide 75% of calories from the pellets, but in fact the revised diet as consumed resulted in 85% of calories being derived from pellets. Achievement of the lower number is recommended to decrease the intake of iron and copper. Fecal quantity was significantly greater, and apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein, NDF, and ADF significantly less for all species on the revised diet compared with the original. Apparent digestibility of fiber by red duikers was comparable to that of common duikers, and was affected similarly by the diet change. However, it was less comparable to that of blue and yellow-backed duikers, suggesting that the diet of free-ranging red duikers may be more similar to that of common duikers than to that of the other forest duikers. Zoo Biol 21:135–147, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.