Comparative Use of Four Different Marker Systems for the Estimation of Digestibility and Low Food Intake in a Group of Captive Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)
In a feeding trial with four captive giraffes, nutrient digestibility was determined using four different marker systems. Although cobalt-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid proved to have no utility as a digestibility marker in this study, reasonable values could be obtained using C36 n-alkane, acid detergent lignin, and acid insoluble ash as markers. A comparison of methods and literature […]
Serous fat atrophy and other nutrition-related health problems in captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) – An evaluation of 83 necropsy reports
Historically, the nutrition of captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) has been regarded as difficult, and several different disease complexes suspected to be at least partially of dietary aetiology have been observed in this species (Clauss et al., 2002a). From the literature, it seems that the condition of serous fat atrophy (SAF) at necropsy is the most […]
Comparison of Two Diet Analysis Techniques for a Browsing Megaherbivore
Diet assessment of herbivores provides insight into trophic relationships, the potential for competition, and the influences herbivores may have on an ecosystem (Bookhout 1996). Thus, the determination of their food requirements is imperative prior to the implementation of any management decisions, which must be based on reliable data (Bookhout 1996). Direct observations and fecal analysis […]
The diet and ecological role of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) introduced to the Eastern Cape, South Africa
With an increase in the popularity of wildlife ranching in southern Africa has come the introduction of non-native (extralimital) mammalian herbivores. Financial gain has arguably been at the forefront of these introductions, with little or no assessment of the ecological consequences. The diet of three populations of introduced giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis was assessed by direct […]
Mortality of captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) associated with serious fat atrophy: A review of five of cases at Auckland Zoo
Five giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) died peracutely within an 8-yr period. The giraffe were maintained in an outside enclosure during the day and moved under shelter at night. All the deaths occurred in winter. All the dead giraffe had serous fat atrophy at postmortem. The giraffe were fed good quantities of browse, together with alfalfa hay […]
Influence of Diet Transition on Serum Calcium and Phosphorous and Fatty Acids in Zoo Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
In response to new recommendations for feeding giraffe in zoos, giraffe (n = 6) were transitioned from a typical hoofstock diet to diets containing reduced starch, protein, Ca and P and added n3 fatty acids. This diet was fed as a 50:50 mix with alfalfa and grass hay. Over the next 4 years, serum Ca, […]
Dental Disease and Serous Atrophy of Fat Syndrome in Captive Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)
A condition characterized by serous atrophy of fat (SAF) has been reported as leading to peracute mortality in a number of giraffes at several institutions during the last 3 decades. These mortalities were originally attributed to insufficient protein and high fiber diets but were also associated with stress, other nutritional imbalances, and infectious and toxic […]
Food Selection by Transvaal lowveld giraffe as determined by analysis of stomach contents
Food selection by giraffe in the Transvaal lowveld was studied by identifying plant fragments from stomach contents over a 1 year period. Large fragments were randomly taken from the material while small fragments were taken from a 50 ml sample. Identifications were based on diagnostic keys and over 8000 fragments were classified. The validity of […]