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SPECIAL EDITION BASED ON THE 6TH EUROPEAN ZOO NUTRITION CONFERENCE

issuez 5 • 2011oo quaria Colour code nutrition news How the right feed can help maintain colour in EZNC 2012 NEXT NUTRITION CONFERENCE IN ZURICH

Myth busting the truth behind nutritional misconceptions

Iep (Ruwe) Engels Wych elm Ulmus glabra

Bijzonderheden: Duits Wordt goed opgenomen. Bergulme

Beschrijving Lengte blad: 14 – 18 cm Breedte blad: 7 – 9 cm

Bladeren liggen verspreid, hebben een toegespitst einde met een scheve bladvoet en dubbel G oodgezaagde eating HOW randenSUSTAINABLE ZOO FEED CAN HELP BIODIVERSITY 1 Green guide An invaluable new aid to browse identification

Samenstelling: Nutrient: ds RA RE RV RC NDF ADF Ca P (%) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (g/kg ds) (g/kg ds) 41 Blad 10 21 3 15 45 25 1,9 0,2 Iep (Ruwe) Engels Wych elm Ulmus glabra

Bijzonderheden: Duits Wordt goed opgenomen. Bergulme Contents Zooquaria Nutrition News

10 20 6 Beschrijving Lengte blad: 14 – 18 cm Breedte blad: 7 – 9 cm

Bladeren liggen verspreid, hebben een toegespitst einde met een scheve bladvoet en dubbel gezaagde randen V ictoria Og ilv y

Samenstelling: 18 Nutrient: ds RA RE RV RC NDF ADF Ca P 24 (%) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (g/kg ds) (g/kg ds) 41 Blad 10 21 3 15 45 25 1,9 0,2

3 Welcome 18 Insectivores A message from the Chair of the EAZA Nutrition Group A new diet for giant could be of great value to other ant and eaters 4 Finance Ways in which two Spanish zoos tackle their nutrition costs 20 Feed identification A valuable new guide to various species of browse and how 6 to use them Maintaining the right colours in some species comes down to the of food they’re fed 22 Nutrients The vital components of fruit and vegetables presented in 8 Ungulates accessible tables Body condition scoring as an easy method for assessing the efficacy of diet changes in hoofstock 24 Breeding Why subtleties of diet can overcome stillbirths in 10 Conservation breeding programmes The effect of global conservation strategies on various types of zoo feeds 26 Education A special report on a new nutrition course for 12 Technology zoo keepers How the next generation of nutritional software can help zoos manage their dietary information 28 Nutritional myths There are many misconceptions about nutrition, but they’re 15 now being tackled How feeding regimes are important for Malagasy frogs 32 Events 16 Events All the information you need to prepare for 2012’s European Details of the 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference Zoo Nutrition Conference EAZA Zooquaria Nutrition News

Editorial board: EAZA Executive Office, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD , The . Coordinator Joeke Nijboer (Rotterdam Zoo) Email: [email protected] ISSN 2210-3392 Reviewers Andrea Fidgett (Chester Zoo), Marcus Clauss (University of Zurich), Cover image: François langur, Rob Doolard, www.dierenfotografie.nl Tjalling Huisman (van Hall Larenstein) and Joeke Nijboer. For information on print subscriptions to Zooquaria visit: http://tinyurl.com/zooquaria. Managing Editor Eoghan O’Sullivan ([email protected]) The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of EAZA. Editor Malcolm Tait Designer Lou Millward Printed using vegetable inks on paper containing 50% recycled waste and 50% Zooquaria is the quarterly magazine of the sustainably sourced virgin fibre; bleached using an Elemental Chlorine Free process. 2 European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Printed by Offset Print BV. www.offset.nl y v

gil From the O

Victoria Victoria EAZA Nutrition Group

It is my great pleasure to introduce once again a special Diervoeding, Brogaarden ApS, Garvo BV, Kiezebrink Putten nutrition-themed issue of Zooquaria, the official newsletter BV and St Laurent. for EAZA. Based on papers and posters presented at The conference is held approximately every two years. the 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference organised Previous zoo hosts include Rotterdam, Antwerp, Leipzig and by ConZOOlting and the EAZA Nutrition Group, in Chester, and the University of Zurich is hosting the next collaboration with Barcelona Zoo, it presents issues of relevance meeting (see details at the back of this newsletter). and importance to zoo animal nutrition management, in an A huge thank you to Helena Marquès (ConZOOlting) and easily digested form (if you’ll excuse the pun!). her team for organising another wonderful conference, to The EAZA Nutrition Group aims ‘to promote and support everyone at the EAZA Executive Office for their guidance and nutrition in zoological institutions as an essential component support, and finally to Joeke Nijboer, Marcus Clauss, Tjalling of their conservation mission’. Nutrition is a vital element of Huisman and Geert Janssens for editorial contributions to this animal care and gathering everyone who should be talking newsletter. to each other about this, namely animal keepers, vets, feed We hope this special edition newsletter serves not only as a companies and researchers studying these species in their review of the previous zoo nutrition conference, but also as a natural , in one place to exchange information and fitting appetiser for the next one and very much hope you will ideas helps fulfil our objective. And so it was that in January join us in Zurich in 2012. 2010, more than 100 animal experts from across the globe were Check the website http://www.eaza.net/activities/Pages/ given food for thought at the 6th European Zoo Nutrition NutritionConference.aspx regularly for further information Conference. on the conference. The conference started with a visit to Barcelona Zoo, which also provided the setting for an elegant icebreaker and wonderful Catalan cuisine. Thereafter the group moved to Andrea Fidgett the coastal enclave of Castelldefels near Barcelona in Spain. Nutritionist, Chester Zoo Nutrition of corals, jellyfish, and other amphibians Chair, EAZA Nutrition Group made their first appearance alongside studies of parrots, pigeons, penguins, maned , camels, , giant anteaters and many others. Although participants came from many countries within Europe, submission authors were largely from Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK, a list of countries we hope will expand as the conference series continues. The conference abstract book is freely available to download in electronic form from the nutrition area of the EAZA website (www.eaza.net). New for this conference was a ‘Diet Change Experiences’ session, where participants summarised their practical experience of modifying diets. Speakers explained why they considered the transition a success, a failure, or could not yet tell and the case studies included modifying diets for tortoises, assessing hand-rearing diet for swifts, and weight management programmes at three different collections. Based on feedback from participants, the session will become a permanent feature of future meetings, serving as a means of getting science into practice. This newsletter could not be published without significant financial support provided by sponsorship from Arie Blok 3 finance Keeping the costs down the results of research into methods of Lowering diet costs in two Spanish zoological institutions

Helena Marquès and Andrea Rodríguez, ConZOOlting Management, Barcelona

In the zoo , there are and determined the total amount of food it was found that both diets offered currently several assumptions that relate offered and rejected. A total of 39 diets and diets consumed presented between to the nutrition of captive wild : were evaluated (for over 155 individuals) two and eight nutritional deficiencies, • Formulating a nutritionally complete from 10 different orders (30.8% especially in minerals and fat-soluble diet for any given species will increase Psittaciformes, 30.8% Passeriformes and vitamins when compared to the nutrient the price of the diet; 38.4% others). Animals were housed in requirements established for each • Specialised commercial food products outside and inside enclosures, and there species. Additionally, several diets were increase diet costs significantly; were a few mixed species exhibits. too high in fat content. The excess of • Having a nutritionist (in-house or At institution B, we focused on food allowed selection from the animals, consultant) is a luxury that only a few primate diets (Macaca fascicularis, which did not lead to a balanced diet in can afford. catta, Hylobates muelleri, Chlorocebus any case. Additionally, the use of a nutritionist aethiops, Mandrillus sphinx and Pan With these results, diets were or a specialised professional is often troglodytes). The institution’s main reformulated to meet the probable questioned because: aim was to reduce costs and introduce nutrient requirements established for • Information about diets is usually a commercial primate biscuit. In this each species and group. Basically, four freely available, since zoos share case, a visit was not included and all recommendations were carried out: information; the communication was done through 1 In most of the diets, the commercial • Animals often survive and reproduce telephone and email. The technical staff food was changed to a high quality on inappropriate diets, which are of the centre sent all the information product that more closely met the then adopted as good diets and passed we needed for determining the animals’ probable nutrient requirements of the along; food intake and to evaluate the diets. species (incorporated at 15%-30% • Nutrition is seen simply as choosing All data collected in both institutions of the diet). This product provided from a list of ingredients, based on was processed and analysed using our a known constant nutrient supply internet and literature information on own diet evaluation spreadsheets. throughout the period, allowing us ingredients (not nutrients) eaten in Results from diet analysis were compared to reduce the total amount of food the wild; to nutrient requirements established for offered, and simplify the diets by • Human traditional knowledge and each group based on available literature. reducing the number of ingredients. beliefs related to nutrition are applied 2 The other diet ingredients were to zoo animals independently of RESULTS adjusted and changed (when physiology and morphology of the Institution A: appropriate) to more closely meet particular species; reducing leftovers saves money the species’ feeding strategy. The • Once diets are formulated, the All diets consisted of at least 15 different ingredients barely consumed by the nutritionists have finished their job. ingredients. The intake studies showed animals were evaluated and when not Furthermore the economic cost of that the rejected an average of 39% necessary were eliminated. animal diets seems to be an important (0%-87%) of the total food offered. The 3 Many diets were reformulated with factor for most institutions holding species that had more leftovers were weekly rotations of several ingredients, wildlife, especially today. those from the families Passeriformes and to reduce preparation time and Taking these facts into consideration, Psittaciformes, with an average of 59.5% encourage animals to consume less we tried to determine whether it would and 43.4% of leftovers respectively. The preferred diet items. be possible to assure both an adequate individuals or groups housed indoors, 4 The total amount of food was diet for the animals and a decrease of the where pests (like wild birds and rodents) adjusted to the energy consumed diet costs. In order to do so, we analysed had less access to food trays, had more by the given group or individual, the diets of two Spanish zoological leftovers than the animals housed unless the animals were found to be institutions, A and B. in outside enclosures. For instance, overweight or underweight. When Amazon parrots housed indoors left an the animals were housed outdoors, WORKING PROCESS average of 79.12% of the seed mixture the diet was increased by 10%-15% to Institution A contacted us to evaluate versus 30.1% left by the Amazon parrots account for intake by pests (although and reformulate the diets of its housed outdoors. a recommendation was made to collection, and also to reduce diet costs The great amount of leftovers make the appropriate changes in the whenever possible. The diets were represented almost €9.600 per year, 42% enclosures to minimise access to food reviewed through an intake study. A of the costs of these diets. for pests). 4 ConZOOlting team visited the centre After conducting the diet analysis, All these changes led to a decrease of the offered diet. Additionally, the assessment on-site enabled aspects related to the food storage and handling to be addressed, which was crucial for optimising diet preparation as well as reducing potential hazards. The lack of long-term commitment by either of the institutions presented here (in both institutions there were political/staff changes before the work was finished), conditioned the success and the completition of the work. Additionally, long-term commitment is necessary in order to assist in diet transitions and assess whether the recommendations have the desired effect. Moreover, zoos are not static and, thus, there are several factors that imply that diets are also not static but dynamic. Some of these factors are the frequent changes in animal groups (not only in numbers of animals, but also in physiological state), the constant move of staff, market availability of food items, supplier reliability, and financial in the cost of the diets with an average a known constant nutritional base, constraints. 54% decrease compared to the initial which allowed the elimination of It is also important to note that costs. In only in a few cases did the several ingredients from the diets sometimes, in order to decrease costs and recommended diet turn out to be more (especially of the most expensive make diet preparation more efficient, it expensive than the previous diet, ones which also required the greatest is necessary to restructure and reorganise such as for some Columbiformes and preparation time), and to reduce the diet preparation areas in order to Coraciiformes. amount of fresh ingredients. optimise changes and be successful. Although in this case the costs of the This was the case in institution A. Institution B: good quality diets could not be reduced significantly Some of the changes could be seen as an concentrates do not increase diet costs (only by 2%), the evaluation of the obstacle at first (such as weighing out all The diets offered at Institution B were diet showed that the use of commercial ingredients during diet preparation), but exactly the same for all the species and feed was possible without increasing at the end they save time and, in many contained 16 different ingredients, some total diet costs. Many institutions that cases, money. of which required cooking. Although decide to include a commercial feed just Therefore, in order to be successful in an intake study was not performed, add it to the diet without making any a diet revision process, the work should the technical staff were asked to rate adjustments and, thus, the diet costs include not only diet formulation, but consumption of every food item in increase. also a revision of the organisation of a five-point scale from 0% to 100%. Due to the lack of empirical data, the the commissary, stock control, costs According to the institution, all groups amount of food offered was based on the review, solving daily problems related consumed almost 100% of their diet. energy requirement for the species found to the feeding of the animal collection, It was noted that the diets sometimes in literature. Diet calculations were and acting as a link between the staff included food from the restaurant, based on mean species weight according involved in different stages of the which could not be assessed. to literature. animal feeding (curators, keepers, Diet analysis revealed that there commissary staff and vets). were at least 13 nutritional deficiencies POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION and up to 17 when compared to the The work tackled in these two CONCLUSIONS nutritional requirements estimated institutions was only partially successful. With the experiences in the two for each species (based on primate When visits were not included in the centres, we conclude that it is NRC, 2003). The deficiencies included contract (as in institution B), it was very possible to decrease diet costs (at vitamin E, several B vitamins and many difficult to assess the nutritional status least for and birds) without minerals. of the animals, as well as other aspects compromising the nutritional status of In this case, all the diets were related to the feeding and nutrition the animals. However, in order to do reformulated based on each species’ of each species. Intake studies proved so, the collaboration of the technical nutritional strategy and requirements. to be highly valuable in determining staff and keepers and a long-term The incorporation of a high quality real consumption and learning about commitment by the institution is pellet (15%-25% of the diet), provided the animals’ preferences and selection necessary. 5 Amphibians Food colouring for frogs What do differences in carotenoid accumulation among three feeder-cricket species mean for dietary delivery of colour to captive insectivores?

Victoria Ogilvy and Richard Preziosi, University of Manchester; Douglas Sherriff and Andrea Fidgett, Chester Zoo

There have been various anecdotal whether species of crickets differ reports of captive anurans (frogs in terms of their ability to gut-load and toads) appearing less colourful, carotenoids. particularly with respect to yellow, We carried out an analysis of orange and red pigmentation. In carotenoid composition of crickets that nature, these colours are typically are typically fed to captive anurans to produced by carotenoids, a large assess variation in gut-loading capacity. family of biologically active pigments We also sought to determine which synthesised by plants, bacteria and diet delivered the highest nutritional fungi. Carotenoids are the reason value in terms of carotenoids, and to why tomatoes are red, carrots are assess carotenoid retention following a orange and sweetcorn or maize is period of starvation. yellow. cannot synthesise carotenoids themselves and therefore COMMON PRACTICE rely entirely on dietary sources, so An informal survey was carried out colour degradation in frogs and toads across EAZA members to determine may be caused by limited carotenoid which prey items are most commonly iStockPhoto availability in the diet. Carotenoids fed to captive frogs. The responses may influence health and reproduction items across their field of view; sessile received revealed that the three most due to their roles in immune and prey is less likely to be consumed. So commonly used species were black antioxidant systems in many taxa, yet from an already reduced range of prey crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus), tropical/ their importance for anurans is poorly options, the types suitable for frogs banded/brown crickets (Gryllodes understood. Furthermore, carotenoid- are further limited by their detection sigillatus) and house crickets (A. based colouration is often used for ability and gape size. domesticus), and therefore these sexual or anti-predator signalling. Many studies have shown gut- three species were used in our study. Reduced colouration in captive loading to be an efficient method for Crickets were fed for four days on one anurans could indicate poor health, altering the nutritional composition of three diets (bran, fresh fruit and with consequent implications for of feeder-invertebrates (specifically vegetable, fish food-based dry diet) reproductive success in captivity and minerals such as calcium and all of which are used to maintain and suitability for reintroduction to the wild. phosphorous), however analyses of gut-load crickets before they are fed Wild insectivores consume a broad carotenoid composition are rarely to captive frogs. The experimental range of invertebrates that have fed included in these studies. Moreover, period replicated a typical period on a wide variety of food items. They comparisons of gut-loading between of gut-loading before feeding to the may also alter their prey selection feeder-invertebrate species have target species. Following this, half during different stages of their life- generally included taxonomically and of the crickets from each treatment history in order to meet differential morphologically distinct species such as were fasted for two days to assess nutritional needs. For insectivores house crickets (Acheta domesticus) and carotenoid retention. The fasting in captivity, the choice of feeder- mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). There period simulates feeding in the captive invertebrate species is more limited have been few studies that compare environment and ‘empty-gut’ crickets and many are known to be deficient in gut-loading among closely related represent individuals that are present certain key nutrients. The nutritional feeder-invertebrate species. in insectivore enclosures for some time value of feeder-invertebrates may be This is relevant to insectivorous before they are consumed, or crickets improved by providing them with an species that are restricted in the types that are not maintained on a gut- enriched diet (termed gut-loading), the of feeder-invertebrates on which they loading diet immediately prior to use. objective being that specific nutrients can feed. For example, crickets form Each species was, itself, a very poor required by the insectivore remain a substantial portion of the diet for source of carotenoids; however, we in the gastrointestinal tract of the tree frogs (family Hylidae) and several found that the carotenoid content invertebrate before it is consumed. feeder-cricket species are commercially of feeder-crickets could be improved Most anurans are insectivorous and available. While investigating the role through gut-loading with carotenoid- feeding behaviour in frogs is typically that colour plays in fitness and fertility rich foods, though the concentration 6 triggered by the movement of prey of these frogs, we wanted to determine of carotenoids (per given weight of , Frogs fade on zoo diets of crickets (left), but those fed prey items which are gut-loaded with carotenoids are more brightly coloured (right) y lv i Og a i r Victo

cricket) varies between species. An TO SUMMARISE: since crickets appear to have limited analysis of crickets fed the fish food diet • Under the fish-food based diet capacity for carotenoid absorption, gut- showed G. bimaculatus crickets to have treatment, black crickets (G. loading with carotenoid-rich foods is a significantly higher total carotenoid bimaculatus) had the greatest total likely to be the most effective method concentration (per unit body mass) concentration of carotenoids out for incorporating carotenoids as part than G. sigillatus or A. domesticus. of the three feeder-cricket species of a balanced diet for captive obligate- Therefore, insectivores that consume tested, and would therefore be the insectivores. The consequences of G. bimaculatus crickets gut-loaded on more favourable species to use as a receiving a carotenoid-limited diet carotenoid-rich foods are likely to have vehicle for delivery of carotenoids. are unknown for many insectivores; a higher intake of carotenoids than • For carotenoids to be included in the nevertheless, the benefits of if they were fed A. domesticus or G. diet of captive obligate-insectivores, dietary carotenoids on health and sigillatus gut-loaded crickets. crickets should be fed a carotenoid- reproduction have been demonstrated All fasted or ‘empty gut’ crickets had rich diet, such as fresh fruit and in many species. Further research into significantly reduced total carotenoid vegetables. Captive insectivores that the importance of carotenoids for the concentrations suggesting they have are provided with crickets fed wheat- health and reproductive success of poor carotenoid retention and storage bran alone are likely to have limited obligate-insectivores in captivity would capabilities. Their carotenoid content access to carotenoids. be valuable. will therefore be significantly reduced • All feeder-cricket species tested had if they remain uneaten for 48 hours very low carotenoid concentrations Further reading: or more. Making carotenoid-rich following a period of fasting, which Allen ME, Oftedal OT. 1989. Dietary manipulation of foods available within enclosures for suggests they have a limited ability to the calcium content of feed crickets. J Zoo Wildl Med feeder-crickets to eat could improve sequester carotenoids into their body 20(1):26-33. this; however, it may be impractical tissues. Captive insectivores should Finke MD. 2002. Complete nutrient composition of and foods may not be consumed by therefore be provided with freshly commercially raised invertebrates used as food for the prey items in a timely fashion. gut-loaded crickets if carotenoid insectivores. Zoo Biol 21(3):269-285. Captive insectivores should therefore intake is to be optimised. Finke MD. 2003. Gut loading to enhance the be provided with freshly gut-loaded The nutrients available in the diet nutrient content of as food for reptiles: A prey items that have had access to food of wild insectivores are determined mathematical approach. Zoo Biol 22(2):147-162. within the last 48 hours, and uneaten by the body composition of the Oonincx DGAB, van der Poel AFB. 2010. Effects of prey should be removed to prevent invertebrates that they feed on, plus diet on the chemical composition of migratory predators from becoming satiated on the nutrients present in the digestive locusts (Locusta migratoria). Zoo Biol 28:1-8. non-gut-loaded prey. tracts of those invertebrates. The Pennino M, Dierenfeld ES, Behler JL. 1991. Retinol, Feeder-crickets from commercial diet of wild invertebrates is therefore α-tocopherol and proximate nutrient composition suppliers are typically despatched with likely to be diverse and replication in of invertebrates used as feed. International Zoo a wheat-bran food source. We found captivity is problematic. Gut-loading Yearbook 30(1):143-149. only trace levels of lutein and carotene of invertebrates can be used to diversify Pessier AP. 2008. Management of disease as a in these animals, making them a poor the nutrients present in the diet of threat to conservation. International Zoo source of carotenoids and captive captive insectivores; however the Yearbook 42(1):30-39. insectivores fed solely on bran-fed efficacy of gut-loading may vary among Richardson C, Popovici J, Bellvert F, Lengagne T. crickets are therefore likely to have closely related species. Furthermore, 2009. Conspicuous colouration of the vocal sac of negligible access to the pigments. since carotenoids are synthesised by a nocturnal chorusing treefrog: carotenoid-based? plants, bacteria and fungi alone, and Amphibia-Reptilia 30:576-580. 7 Food and breeding equipment for wild and domestic animals ZA du Bouillon F-79430 La Chapelle Saint-Laurent Tel +33 (0)549 720 920 - Fax +33 (0)549 721 112 [email protected] - www.st-laurent.fr

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www.kiezebrink.eu ungulates What’s the score? Body condition scoring as an easy method for assessing the efficacy of diet changes in hoofstock

Thijs van den Houten, student, Van Hall Larenstein and Andrea Fidgett, Nutritionist, Chester Zoo

What are body condition scores? a longer period was necessary to Body condition refers to the ensure continued efficacy of the amount of fat that an animal is hoofstock diets. Are the diets that carrying. Body condition scoring is are currently fed to all hoofstock a system designed to estimate the species adequate for optimal health amount of fat that an animal has, and welfare? so scoring systems are based on Approximately three years after t body shape, outline or silhouette, the diet changes, diet assessment

Fidget the prominence of skeletal features, was based on a combination of a and the fat and muscle overlaying interviews with the head keepers of

Andre various body parts. When an animal the relevant sections and by body is losing condition, fat reserves condition scoring their animals. are mobilised and muscle wasting 2006 revealed that the diets were Head keepers were asked to confirm sets in to supply the required energy overcomplicated. The dry feed current feeding practices, whether demand. Body scores have been used portion alone comprised varying there were health problems which may in the domestic hoofstock industry for combinations of 16 products including be diet-related and how the current many years and developed for horses, pellets, ‘straight’ feed ingredients (eg diet is accepted by the animals. Aside goats, sheep, cattle and pigs to name bran, maize) and supplements. from some adjustments to pellet a few, and have been found useful Diets fed to the hoofstock species quantity, no significant concerns were in judging the adequacy of energy were based on information sent with reported. Body condition scoring supplies. In recent years there has animals when they arrived from was used to measure diet efficiency been a trend to use body condition another collection, combined with visually, using 5-point, species-specific scores in a wide variety of captive trial and error use of existing food systems already developed for the animals in conjunction with regular ingredients available and experience relevant or closely-related species. weighing wherever possible, as a of what worked for similar species. Digital photographs were also taken means of improving the quality of Few health problems were evident; to create profiles for individually animal care. however, there was no consistent identifiable animals, creating an Scoring systems typically are rationale within the collection for electronic archive that will be used designed around a 3, 5, 7 or 9-point feeding these species. to track condition changes over scale and most assign the lowest Since 2007 hoofstock diets now time. The condition for almost all number to a severely underweight take account of digestive anatomy, animals was scored to be ideal or or emaciated condition, and the feeding and life stage, with close to this value; notable exceptions highest number to animals that an emphasis on forage, and dry feeds were females presumed (and later are severely overweight or obese. rationalised to just three specially confirmed) to be pregnant. The middle point in the scores is formulated concentrates, eliminating Providing that standardised considered the ideal condition. Such the necessity for any additional systems for scoring can be agreed, systems are useful when assessing an supplements. Immediate acceptability body condition scoring is a low-tech, animal’s body condition; however it of the adjusted diets by animals was non-invasive yet effective tool for is important that additional factors good, with a month-long transition to zoo animal management and for such as the animal’s body weight, ensure minimal disruption to gastro- assessing the efficacy of diet changes frame size, pregnancy, lactation, intestinal function. Assessment over in particular. season and general health should also be taken into consideration when 1: Emaciated 2: Thin 3: Fair 4: Good 5: Heavy translating the score into a judgment. Score

Using objective and standardised Outline body condition scores, an animal’s Depictions appearance and/or condition can Neck • Neck is narrow and • Neck is flat and • Neck is rounded • Neck is well muscled • Neck is thick, well & angular (bony) narrow • Prescapular groove is and rounded muscled, and rounded Shoulders • Nuchal ligament • Nuchal ligament slightly visible • Shoulders are rounded • Shoulders are well be described very effectively and, prominent visible • Shoulders are flat. muscled and rounded • Prescapular groove • Prescapular groove is particularly useful for zoo animals, deep and obvious obvious • Shoulders are angular, • Shoulders are flat and tracked over time. Thus, body bony slightly bony • Scapula and ribs are • Scapula and ribs are • Scapula and ribs • Scapula is covered • Scapula is covered condition scores lend themselves Scapula & very obvious obvious visible • Ribs are covered (skin • Ribs are well covered Ribs folds) (skin folds) to assessing the impact of dietary • Groove along • Deep groove along • Groove along • Backbone is slightly • Backbone is rounded Spine backbone is very backbone obvious backbone visible angular • Spinous processes are changes. obvious • Spinous processes are • Spinous processes are • Spinous processes are covered. • Spinous processes are prominent visible. slightly visible very prominent • Obvious depression in • Rump is concave • Rump is slightly • Rump is flattened • Rump is well rounded the rump • Pelvic bones are concave • Pelvic bones are • Pelvic bones are

l Kingdom l Rump & Case study: using body condition • • a Tail Base Pelvic bones are very prominent Pelvic bones are slightly visible covered prominent • Tail base is slightly visible • Tail base is rounded • Tail base is rounded scoring to assess hoofstock diet • Tail base is very thin bony • Tail base is narrow (bulging) and bony changes at Chester Zoo Abdomen • Abdomen is tucked in • Abdomen is tucked in • Abdomen is slightly • Abdomen is filled • Abdomen is distended • Flank folds are • Flank folds are visible tucked in • Flank folds sometimes and taught An evaluation of Chester Zoo’s diets obvious • Flank folds are slightly visible • No visible flank folds slightly visible. isney’s Anim isney’s D for hoofstock species conducted in Table 6: Summary of Body Condition Scores for Black Rhinoceros 9

37 conservation Responsible feed in zoos What does have to do with fish feed? Does ex situ conservation have negative effects on in situ conservation?

Daan Wensing and Laurens Gomes, IUCN Netherlands

Animal feed contains all sorts of Certification conversion of natural areas in South ingredients that are not commonly Over the past years several certification America. Action is therefore needed. considered in sustainability policies. schemes have been developed for This need for action has resulted in a An example: in Europe animal feed more responsible production of soy. unique partnership in The Netherlands producers use soy as a major source In the beginning, COOP and WWF between the IUCN National of protein. After the ban of Meat developed the ‘Basel’ standard; setting Committee of the Netherlands (IUCN and Bone Meal (MBM) following criteria to prevent deforestation and NL) and its member organisation the the BSE crisis, animal feed producers protect worker rights, amongst others. Federation of Dutch Zoos (NVD). had to use a new protein source. The Additionally, the soy certified as Basel In a bold statement the boards of cheap protein-rich soybean proved soy excludes genetically modified all zoos (14 in total) decided that to be the best candidate. Europe does soy (GM soy). The European soy they no longer wanted to be part of not produce significant tonnage of industry has seen some examples of a production system that threatens soy due to two major trade treaties: companies that made the bold move biodiversity around the globe. As of there are no import tariffs on oil seeds to start sourcing Basel soy instead November 2010 all soy that is needed (including soy) and the limits that of conventional soy. However, for the production of animal feed are set in Europe for the designation the majority focuses on the multi- in the Dutch zoos is independently of land used for oil seed production. stakeholder platform of the Round certified according to the Basel criteria, For example, the number of hectares Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS). ensuring that all certified soy does needed to produce the soy imported in The RTRS consists of producers, not cause deforestation, social issues, The Netherlands alone is almost equal industry and NGOs who work on pollution and erosion. to the total area available in Europe a certification scheme that allows The soy tonnage used by zoos is not for oil seed production. benefits to all stakeholders and offers a the largest, but the statement is very mainstream solution to the market. powerful: we protect animals in our Soy zoos, educate our visitors and the next Soy originates from China, but the Action generation and also want to support bulk of the soy used in animal feed The tonnage of certified soy entering conservation by sourcing the right in Europe and China is produced the European market is expanding, material. The Dutch zoos attract over in . In the 1970s, but not at a scale that will make an 10 million visitors a year and they soy production in and later impact or, for example, help stop can now experience a positive nature Argentina, Paraguay and Daan Wensing IUCN NL Deforestation for soy expanded, often resulting in production at Mato Grosso, conversion of natural habitat such as Brazil: Jan Gilhuis, Solidaridad rainforests. For 2010 the total area under soybean production in Brazil alone was estimated at 22 million hectares and this is expected to increase to 30 million hectares. This expansion of production has yielded many economic and some social benefits for the producing countries, though also at high environmental and social costs. Soy plantations have been established in such as the Chaco, Cerrado, Atlantic Rainforest and Amazon. Expanding soy production has also resulted in a ‘push’ of other land uses (like cattle ranching) into nature areas. Other issues at stake include worker rights, erosion, land rights and 10 pesticide use. conservation contribution. Media such close to Gunung as the Dutch Youth News and national Mulu Nationaal Park; RIGHT: Bornean Pygmy Elephant – both Laurens Gomes, newspapers covered the statement, IUCN NL widening the scope of the result.

Expanding cooperation After the success of the cooperation on soy, the IUCN National Committee of The Netherlands and three Dutch front-runner zoos (Blijdorp, Artis and Burgers’) have expanded their cooperation. Supported by the Dutch government, an analysis was made on high-impact components in animal We want to support conservation feed as well as products served in the zoos’ restaurants. Examples of by sourcing the right materials ingredients that have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is the feed and served in their restaurants. around the globe include: palm oil (in major one. In The Netherlands, almost all feed and use in restaurants), fish (feed commercially produced meat is and restaurants), and meat. Why these Fish obtained from animals fed on a diet ingredients? Headlines appear frequently about including soy. There are many other over-fishing. Media reports often sustainability issues like animal welfare Palm Oil ask the cynical question: who will which also play a huge role and need to Palm oil is an ingredient included catch the last tuna? Fish stocks all be addressed in relation to meat. The in almost 70% of the products in over the world are being depleted at research now focuses on procurement Dutch supermarkets. The oil is used in unprecedented speed and immediate possibilities of sustainably produced deodorants, biscuits, soap, butter, etc. action is needed to prevent further meat, for example from organic farms And as with soy, very few consumers collapse of stocks. Certification and conservation areas that have know this. Yes, there are some products schemes are being put in place to allow excess animals due to range limitations. that obviously contain palm oil, but for sustainable fishing. Conservation the average is not aware of NGOs have developed lists of fish Future the fact that their favourite biscuit species related to area of origin that The Netherlands is the largest contains palm oil. By consuming palm stipulate which fish to eat and which importer of both soy and palm oil oil, the rainforests in South-East Asia not. Dutch zoos are now developing in Europe. A substantial portion suffer, being sacrificed to produce an action plan in cooperation with of the imports is exported (either almost 85% of the global palm oil IUCN NL to identify the fish species directly or after processing) to other production. Large tracts of rainforest that can be responsibly used as animal European countries, resulting in a have been deforested to support oil food as well as in the restaurants. This shared responsibility. Dutch zoos palm plantations with almost 15 is a clear signal, also to the visitors show that installing a sustainability million hectares around the world of zoos who will be educated on the procurement policy can yield positive covered by palm oil resulting in major importance of conserving fish species results. Not only is there an incentive impacts on biodiversity. and stocks. in the market to produce sustainably Many species, like the orang-utan, Fishmeal is also used in animal feed to meet the demand, but the signal Sumatran and Sumatran rhino are and, again, many sustainability issues that zoos are daring to act is an suffering from deforestation. As most arise. For example: many aquaculture example to others that procure the plantations are established on peatland fish are fed soy. Yes, the same soy same ingredients and products. No that needs to be drained – resulting in that stems from South America. And zoo or company wants to contribute enormous CO2 emissions – the carbon fish are fed to fish, again creating directly or indirectly to biodiversity impact is also substantial. The rest of unsustainable production systems, and loss and there is the tropical world is catching up fast, because declining wild fish stocks an opportunity to act now. Much with enormous tracts of land destined are fed to aquaculture fish. The still needs to be investigated, but for oil palm plantations in Colombia, issue of sustainable feed is therefore certification systems do exist and it is Brazil and tropical Africa. This is complicated and needs thorough possible to replace the unsustainable why Dutch zoos and IUCN NL are analysis in order to take the right ingredients in animal feed like soy, now investigating how to replace the steps and make a real contribution to palm oil, fish meal and fish with palm oil used in animal feed and (for lessening the ecological footprint. sustainable alternatives. example) in frying oil with sustainably Locally produced alternatives instead produced palm oil. Like with soy, Meat of sustainable produced ingredients international certification schemes Finally, Dutch zoos seek sustainable from abroad are part of the options we exist, of which the Round Table on alternatives to the meat used as animal all have. 11 technology Managing zoo diet information what do we need from the next generation of software?

Andrea Fidgett, Chair, EAZA Nutrition Group and Merryl Webster, Format International

We all want to feed our animals well. used for many species at a single many contributors to what and how Yet within zoos and aquariums different collection thereby fulfilling criteria animals are fed, using terminology stakeholders concentrate on different for legal purposes or professional which reflected actual job functions aspects of feeding; some may be mostly accreditation. not job titles. For example, it was concerned with the nutrient content, Furthermore, diet information for a recognised that in many zoos vets others with the way food is presented. single species held in many collections act as nutritionists, and the curators The physical and behavioural health could be easily collated, providing a are usually also budget holders. The of animals may be a principal focus useful research tool for producing zoo most influential contributors were and sustainability, efficiency and husbandry guidelines; it could also be considered to be: costs are becoming increasingly a valuable educational tool. Pragmatic • animal keepers significant drivers. Obviously all of reasons for using a customised diet • curators/head keepers these aspects require consideration to management program include • budget holders achieve the initial premise of ‘wanting legislative drivers, plus economic • commissaries (ie feed purchasing/ to feed our animals well’. Sharing incentives (eg the facility to check that storage/delivery) knowledge about best feeding practice the quantity of food that should be fed • nutritionists can improve global management of matches what is being ordered). • consultants/professional network living collections, with anecdotal • species managers (eg EEP/SSP/ descriptions replaced by meticulous Design and development of TAGs) observation, documentation and new software • vets (as clinicians) analysis. Recording and cataloguing A number of programs currently in The remainder of the workshop feeding practices and the outcome of use offer some of the functionality focused on what the most influential adjustments, along with the means described, but none can do all of the stakeholders would need to know or for systematic retrieval of said records above. Also, with no investment or consider in order to feed animals as at some later point in time, would management evident, all of these effectively as possible. represent a significant advance in programs are becoming technically the evaluation and dissemination of obsolete and incompatible with What information is needed to feed effective feeding practice. But how can modern technology. With ISIS animals effectively? this vision be achieved? deploying the Zoological Information The group reviewed and added to more Management System (ZIMS) in 2010, than 30 questions or ‘information General requirements for diet it was timely to consider the design and needs’ produced by interviewing staff software build of a single, zoo diet information in the various roles noted above. There is a gap within the current suite management program which at a Examples are listed here: of software provided by International future date might ‘plug-in’ to the ISIS • What do I put in the animal’s food Species Information System (ISIS); the software suite. A group of like-minded bowl (ingredients, quantity, all facility to record diet notes is currently individuals, members of the EAZA aspects of presentation and how it available within both the Animal Nutrition Group and AZA’s Nutrition varies with time)? Records Keeping System (ARKS) but Advisory Group, were invited to a • Has there been any diet drift (in as it is a free text box, it can completed short workshop in advance of the 6th terms of ingredients, quantity)? with varying attention to detail. European Zoo Nutrition Conference • What does this species require (over Bespoke software designed for the zoo held in Barcelona last January. Their time, season, life stage, ability to community could: task was to discuss if and how we adjust this as more research data on • ensure diet information is stored in a might work together to design and requirements becomes available)? rigorous, standardised format build the next generation software. • What ingredients are available • be linked with animal stock Key questions to address were: who (equivalents, seasonality, location, numbers, allowing comparison with are the main contributors to what and availability)? food purchasing/accounts how animals get fed, what information • What is the chemical composition of • be used for diet formulation, do they need to feed their animals ingredient/diet? permitting the exchange of true ‘diet’ effectively, and what can be done to • How do ingredients compare data – the nutrients that are being optimise animal feeding in zoos? (between suppliers, wild data, season, offered and consumed in specific with published values)? quantities, not just a list of the food Who are the main contributors to what • How do diets compare (between ingredients involved and how animals get fed? or within collections, with historic 12 • allow easy collation of diets Workshop participants suggested data, wild data, recommendations? Workshop participants suggesting who are the main contributors to what animals are fed

• What food do I need to order diet formulation but none were able in the UK, Format International (specific ingredients, quantity/ to meet all or even the majority of the designs technical software for the volume, frequency/storage)? essential needs listed above. food and feed industry worldwide and • Can all the stock purchased be We agreed that the development of specialises in formulation software, accounted for (ie does what is a new generation of diet management recipe design, management and purchased match what is issued)? tools was desirable, necessary and also auditing. Having seen the list of ‘needs’ • What does this diet cost (for an rather urgent. A fundamental part of agreed by workshop participants, individual species/time period or in the toolkit is targeted training and there is a good match between the terms of ingredients varying over education specificity to stakeholder functionality required for zoo nutrition time, trends: to include labour and needs (see article by Huisman et al and features in their standard packages. equipment costs)? in this newsletter). Additionally we Some customisation (terminology, • Do my spending patterns differ from stipulated that any software application classification) is required which Format predicted – if so, how and why? developed must be intuitive, clear International is able and willing to • How can I reduce costs (a) via and attractive to use. Zoo nutrition provide. ingredient substitutions, feed is championed by a wide variety of Working together now for almost equivalences (b) via changing different people in different institutions a year through a series of meetings supplier, purchasing power? and tools must be accessible for them and most recently another workshop, • Are there ethical considerations in to be both useful and to maintain this time in Ghent, our vision is a zoo feeding this diet (eg palm oil/live enthusiasm. diet management system for all those prey etc)? concerned with feeding our animals The importance of each of these was Steering group activities well, encompassing features associated prioritised as either essential, desirable An ‘interim’ steering group formed with feeding, formulation, inventory or of little importance for each of the to move this project forward and management, auditing and (ultimately) most influential contributors to zoo investigate additional stakeholders integration with ISIS. We believe animal feeding. Results help developers from other regions (tools developed it to be an achievable and exciting of future diet management tools to have application beyond the EAZA challenge and hope to share our focus their efforts on meeting the region), potential sources of funding progress in person at meetings of both priority needs of the people with most and technical partners. Integration the AZA Nutrition Advisory Group influence over animal feeding. Existing with ISIS is vital, though development later this year and the EAZA Nutrition software applications known to should be driven by the zoo nutrition Group early in 2012. participants were reviewed specifically community. Sincere thanks to all who have to assess how well the capabilities of Since the workshop, a partnership contributed thus far to the design these programs matched the main has been forged with Format process. Project updates will be questions/issues identified as essential. International to develop and design posted on the EAZA Nutrition Group Most cope with needs associated with a bespoke software application. Based web page. 13 Zoo Specialties: scientifically based food for zoo animals Kasper Faunafood offers a unique range of specific diets that respond to the natural feeding ecology of zoo animals.

We produce food for different kinds of zoo animals:

g New world primates, g Birds old world primates and g Ornamental waterfowl leafeating primates g Ornamental fowl g Elephants g Cranes g Browsers like giraffes, g Flamingos okapis, kudus, bongos g Walkers g Grazers like zebras, g Supplements, such as waterbucks, wildebeests Carmix (vitamins/ and white rhinoceros minerals) g Kangaroos

For more information: www.kasperfaunafood.nl Kasper Faunafood, a brand of Arie Blok animal nutrition P.O. box 30 · NL-3440 AA Woerden · The Netherlands 14

10181-KF_adv_A4_Zoo_Nutricion5.indd 1 23-03-2011 09:42:22 endangered species Finding out about the frogs Feeding, breeding and habituation of exotic frogs in the Masoala rainforest ecosystem at Zurich Zoo

Ragna Franz, Clinic for Zoo Animals, University of Zurich; Martin Bauert and Samuel Furrer, Zoo Zurich

Due to several reasons such as habitat loss, pollution and disease, amphibian species are more threatened than any other animal group. These problems are exacerbated by failing efforts to prevent the expansion of the deadly chytrid fungus or to treat infected individuals in the wild. Confronted with these problems, there is only one course of action: to bring the endangered amphibians to protected stations. This allows the animals to live and reproduce in a secure environment, providing that information about the correct handling and habitat conditions are available. Zurich Zoo keeps and breeds several amphibian species. Among these are frogs endemic to Madagascar, such as the small frog Mantella laevigata. As well as intensive research into husbandry and breeding in this species, there is a plan to gradually release them from a controlled terrarium into the rainforest ecosystem. In order for this clockwise from top left: M. laevigata hiding in the rocks; A female after egg deposition in an artificial breeding to be successful, further knowledge opportunity; Habitat provided for M. laevigata in the exhibition; External breeding station for tadpoles of feeding and social behaviours are necessary and several methods of natural conditions; contents of the fruit allowing recently emerged frogs to leave feeding and handling of free ranging boxes are changed three times a week. the water with ease. For juvenile frogs, frogs are presented. For breeding, additional opportunities springtails (Collembola) are offered daily. are offered in terms of black boxes It was planned to release some of breeding skills (similar to the fruit boxes), filled with the frogs into the rainforest exhibit M. laevigata is unusual when compared water and placed almost horizontally itself and the substrates preferred by to other species of Mantella, especially to the ground and into small trees M. laevigata for areas such as hiding in terms of reproduction, where males ( benjamina). The frogs accepted places were investigated. Large lava defend their territories and females these artificial tree and moss holes and stones with several holes seemed to show a primitive brood care system. showed mating behaviour in and upon receive wide acceptance by the frogs, Although many investigations have the boxes. After mating, females laid so a habitat was created in the exhibit been carried out with regard to this single eggs into the water-filled boxes consisting of these, covered with mud, species, knowledge about keeping them and, after approximately seven days, moss and tree branches. Some of the in captivity is limited. tadpoles emerged. adults and sub-adults were released This Malagasy frog has been kept in Reproductive success can be increased here, where they immediately hid in the the Masoala rainforest exhibit since by hand-rearing the young. Each rocks and, three months later, a large 2006. Almost all frogs are housed tadpole is housed individually in a adult male was observed on the top of in terrariums consisting mainly of rearing tank to prevent the hill calling. Though survivorship a metallic fly screen, thus exposing between tadpoles of this species, and fed cannot be presented here, M. laevigata frogs to the same controlled tropical three times a week with a spirulina algae demonstrated adaptation to new conditions as the rest of the exhibit. product (eg Tetra PlecoMin). When the conditions, despite the many changes. To ensure a sufficient food supply, fruit tadpoles have reached final colouration, boxes are placed in the terrarium to they are ready for transfer into a small Acknowledgements attract surrounding flies. This allows flies aquarium set up so that 75% of the base Our special thanks go to Stefan Wettstein, the head to circulate freely in the terrarium and is filled with water and the remainder keeper in the Masoala exhibit, whose continued help for the frogs to prey upon them, as under covered with rocks and moss, thus has been invaluable. 15 events 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference Barcelona 28-31 January 2010

Thursday 28 January 2010 Barcelona Zoo DIET CHANGE Session 18:00 REGISTRATION & ICEBREAKER 16.00 Diet reviews and adjustments for three Friday 29 January 2010 species of tortoise (Geochelone gigantea, 08.00 Registration G. carbonaria and Testudo graeca) at 08.45 Welcome and opening remarks Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. M. Steele, A. Batten, A. Plowman 09.00 Flexibility of the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrates J.M. Starck, INVITED SPEAKER 16.15 Hand-Reared Common Swifts (Apus apus) in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: 09.45 Nutrient digestibility and digestive efficiency in Livingstone’s fruit Assessment of Growth Rates with (Pteropus livingstonii) Different Diets C. Schwitzer, J. Bilstra, S. Chikunya, J. B. E. Fusté, L. Olid, E. Obon Carroll 16.30 Efficacy of hoofstock diets at Chester 10.00 A comparative view on dry matter Zoo; assessment by keeper questionnaire intake and mean retention time of large and body condition scoring T.D. van den Houten, A.L. Fidgett P. Steuer, K.H. Sudekum, R. Franz, J. 16.45 Dietary management of an obese Kaandorp, M. Clauss, J. Hummel Kinkajou (Potos flavus) with congestive 10.15 Browse, grass and legumes- heart failure secondary to hypertrophic investigations on the digestion of cardiomyopathy different forage types D. Eshar, J.A. Briscoe J. Hummel, K.H. Sudekum, M. Clauss 17.00 Bear weight management: a diet 10.30 Investigations on rumen and claw health reduction plan for an obese spectacled of different wild ruminants according to bear (Tremarctos ornatus) the feeding management K.J. Lisi, T. L. Barnes, M.S. Edwards B. Schilcher, K. Baumgartner, A. Liesegang 17.15 A failed attempt to change the diet 10.45 BREAK for Commercial & Poster Sessions of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga 11.30 A survey of Eastern Bongo (Tragelaphus tridactyla) eurycerus isaaci) feeding practices in UK M. Clauss, T. Rothlin, S. Furrer, J.-M. Hatt zoological collections. 17.30 Roundtable Discussion D.J. Wright, H.M.Omed, A.L. Fidgett 11.45 It seems difficult to feed ruminant Saturday 30 January 2010 browsers adequately; the Japanese 08.30 8.00 Registration serow (Capricornis crispus) as yet another 09.00 nutrition: bones of contention example G.P.J. Janssens, INVITED SPEAKER A. de Meijer, L. Mooij, M. de Jong, E. Dols, T. Huisman 09.45 Impact of diet type on fermentation rate 12.00 Winter feeding of captive moose (Alces of in captivity alces) with various roughages S. Depauw, M. Hesta, L. Vanhaecke, J. D.G.M. Kohlschein, J. Hummel, A. Peemoller, Schulz, B. Wuyts, G.P.J. Janssens J.M. Hatt, M. Clauss 10.00 Nutrient digestibility and energy 12.15 Practical feeding of moose and giraffes in evaluation in carnivorous Kolmarden Zoo M. Clauss, H, Kleffner, E. Kienzle B.O. Roken 12.30 Nutritional quality of mid-European 10.15 Nutritional management of captive browse-a review cheetahs; is the domestic an J. Hummel, M. Clauss appropriate model? 13.00 LUNCH K.M. Bell 14.30 Development of a browse identification 10.30 Nutritional evaluation of two milk book for zoo keepers replacers used to hand-rear cheetah J. Nijboer, Tjalling Huisman, Koen van cubs: nutrient composition, apparent Geenen, Piko Fieggen faecal digestibility & differenced to 14.45 Lowering diet costs in two Spanish maternal cheetah milk zoological institutions K.M. Bell, S.M. Rutherfurd, W.H. Hendriks A. Rodríguez, H. Marquès 10.30 BREAK for Commercial & Poster Sessions 15.00 Responsible feed in zoos 11.30 Feeding behaviour: meeting nutritional J.D. Wensing, J. Nijboer requirements and behavioural needs 15.15 BREAK for Commercial & Poster Sessions X. Manteca, INVITED SPEAKER 16 12.15 Identifying feeding behaviour of corals 11.15 Hand-rearing a crowned sifaka through stable isotope analysis (Propithecus coronatus): milk formulation, G. Ludevese, D. Petersen, P. Boeckx, G.P.J. infant growth, comparison with mother- Janssens reared animals and previous protocols 12.30 Feeding, breeding and habituation of used in Propithecus exotic frogs in the rainforest hall at the S. Laidebeure, A. Lecu, B. Quintard, D. Zoo Zurich Gomis, P. Moisson R. Franz, M. Bauert, S Furrer 11.30 A novel diet to feed giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla); research, 13.00 LUNCH design, development and trialing of 14.30 To colour or not to colour, the role of Termant. carotenoids in animal ornamentation J. Moody, A. Warmington and health 11.45 Feeding and body mass development J.J. Negro, INVITED SPEAKER in giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga 15.15 Cricket species vary in gut loading tridactyla) capacity: implications for delivery of M. Clauss, M. Stahl, C. Osmann, S. carotenoids to amphibians Ortmann, J.-M. Hatt V. Ogilvy, R.F. Preziosi, D. Sherriff, K. 12.00 Concluding Remarks & Thanks Arbuckle, A.L. Fidgett 15.30 A preliminary study of Vitamin D3/UV-B treatments for amphibian bone disease R. Browne; F. Vercammen, Z.. Pereboom, E. Verschooren Poster Presentations 15.45 BREAK for Commercial & Poster Sessions l Tropical forages in diets for endemic herbivorous ungulates 16.15 Seed diets for psittacine birds: natural in Costa Rica food or nutritional calamity? A. Brenes Soto I.D. Kalmar, A.C. Veys, B. Geeroms, M. l Implementation of a new weakly allergenic regime for Reinschmidt, D. Waugh, G. Werquin, G.P.J. Callitrichids and other new world monkeys; preventive and Janssens curative effects concerning the Wasting Marmoset Syndrome 16.30 Metaplasia caused by vitamin A and digestive sensibility deficiency in penguins? M. Byrne J. Nijboer, M. Kik, W. Menger l Nutrient composition tables for fruits and vegetables as a 16.45 Feed intake strategy of breeding pigeons decision tool for zoo animal keepers G.P.J. Janssens M. Clauss, J, Hummel, J.-M. Hatt 17.00 Managing zoo diet information; what l Weight reduction in spectacled (Tremarctos ornatus) do we need from the next generation M. Clauss, R. Zingg, N. Ruckstuhl, S. Jutz, J.-M. Hatt software? l Local food, global nutrient data - how do published values A.L. Fidgett compare for commonly used diet ingredients? 17.15 Software Discussion A.L. Fidgett, S.J.Forster 20.30 Conference Dinner, Hotel l Use of INFIC nomenclature on the feedstuffs in the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Sunday 31 January 2010 U.K. Mwimbi, F.K. Siebrits, K. Mbatha 9.30 Sodium and potassium intake of l Growth performance of larvae and postmetamorphic Cercopithecinae juveniles of the hynobiid (Pachyhynobius W. Arnhold, M. Anke, K. Eulenberger shangchengensis) 9.45 Urolithiasis in maned wolves (Chrysocyon F. Pasmans, A. Martel, G.P.J. Janssens brachyurus) l Diet of Kodiak bears ( arctos middendorffi) compared; R.J. Zwart, J. Nijboer what is a good diet? 10.00 Evaluation of a nutraceutical joint J. Polet, T. Weber, T. Huisman, D. Kuiper, C. Berndt supplement in camels (Camelus spp.) l Study of the response to levels of difficulty in obtaining E.S. Dierenfeld, D. Baum, L. Hampe, J. food for predatory birds in rehabilitation centers for wild Jenson, K. Wedekind animals 10.15 A comparison of two different diets for H. Raposeira, P. Horta, A. Luís growing Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) in l A multi-zoo survey of colobus monkey (Colobus sp.) feeding Rotterdam Zoo practice, diet composition and captive activity patterns M. Biesheuvel, R. Jaeger, M. Laterveer, P. P. Rose, L. Philips-Major Niemantsverdriet, D. Kuiper, H. Kuipers, J. l Using an on-site browse plantation to ensure forage Nijboer, T. Huisman feeding to herbivores at Woburn 10.30 Species-dependent mineral J. Veasey accumulation in corals l Seasonal diets for brown bears (Ursus arctos) at Brookfield G. Ludevese, D. Petersen, G.P.J. Janssens Zoo—successful implementation led to reduced weight and 10.45 BREAK (30 mins) for Commercial & Poster improved behaviour Sessions J.C. Watt 17 insectivores Giant steps forward the research, design, development and trialling of Termant has resulted in A novel diet for the feeding of giant anteaters

Jackie Moody, Assistant Registrar & Nutritional Coordinator, Marwell Wildlife; Allula Warmington, Senior Nutritionist, Mazuri Zoo Foods; Heidi Mitchell, Research Programme Manager, Marwell Wildlife

The giant (Myrmecophaga of teeth, these ingredients tend to While there has been some tridactyla) displays a highly specialised be blended together with water, and systematic evaluation of wild giant feeding ecology that is challenging presented as a pap, soupy mixture or anteater diets, there remains a gap in to support in captive environments. gruel. Crucially however, a number knowledge about appropriate nutrient This has potential implications for the of previous studies have identified composition of a captive diet, which health and welfare of these animals in probable health issues associated must take account of issues such as risk zoos. Marwell Wildlife and Mazuri Zoo with these gruel-type formulations. of obesity. Current best practice assumes Foods have collaborated in the design Chronic loose stools which are pasty baseline nutritional requirements of a new diet that may better cater for and liquid in consistency are common for captive giant anteaters, as well as the nutritional requirements of captive in captive anteaters, and differ from (Orycteropus afer), reflect giant anteaters than traditional diets. the well-formed and firm faeces seen that of strict such as felids Termant is commercially available and in free-ranging individuals. Vitamin K although there is some debate about has been shown to afford improved deficiency, constipation due to lack of whether a canine rather than feline hygiene, a reduction in the bacterial dietary fibre, salmonella and sensitivity model offers a more appropriate load supported by the diet, and quicker to bacterial cultures as a result of baseline. Nevertheless, a requirement feed preparation times. contaminated food products, for taurine and arachidonic acid is The is native tip constrictions, and the potential assumed. When designing the new diet, to Central and South America for lactose intolerance have also Marwell Wildlife and Mazuri Foods and exhibits a strategy of obligate been reported. Taken together, these therefore used a range of , cat, , meaning that this observations indicate that diets fed to and National Research Council species survives on a diet composed anteaters in zoos may be problematic (NRC) requirements as a guide. entirely of ants and . Feeding and may compromise the captive Termant has been formulated as a ecology based on this strategy health and welfare of these highly nutritionally ‘complete’ diet that is necessitates visiting up to 200 nests specialised animals. supplied in the form of a powder. This of various species of ant and termite powder can be fed dry or mixed with per day. Replication of such a diet new type of meal water to achieve a gruel of desired in captivity is largely unachievable In order to address the issues associated consistency, thus allowing zoos to because the quantities of ants or with captive anteater nutrition, Marwell take account of anteaters’ specialised termites required to sustain anteaters Wildlife and Mazuri Zoo Foods aimed feeding physiology, while still affording are simply not available and there is no to develop a diet that supports the some flexibility to help collections commercially available substitute. nutritional requirements of captive cater for the preferences of anteaters. It is crucial therefore to find suitable anteaters, takes account of the animals Bacteriology testing on both the ways to address the nutritional needs of physiology by being easily manipulated original Marwell diet and Termant captive giant anteaters. Little empirical and consumed, improves hygiene and diet indicated that a lower bacterial evidence exists, however, to inform zoos reduces the potential for microbial load load is supported by the Termant diet. about how best to achieve this. of the food, and facilitates easy food This could be important in reducing A review of anteater diets in preparation by staff. pathogen transfer which may occur collections holding giant anteaters as of 2007, as listed on ISIS (International Termant Nutrients (%) Range of NRC Species Information System) was (10% H2O Basis) Requirements (%) undertaken by Marwell Wildlife. Crude oil 10.17 5 – 9 Analysis of nutritional components of captive giant anteater diets was Crude protein 28.33 22 – 30 carried out using zoo nutrition Arachidonic acid 0.05 0.02 – 0.05 software. The basis of many of the reviewed captive diets included a type Taurine 0.19 0.17 of dry dog or cat diet, raw meat, eggs Calcium 1.44 0.5 – 1.10 and other dairy products. In order Total phosphorus 1.08 0.40 – 0.90 to cater for the specialised anatomy of anteaters, which includes a long Nutritional components of Termant as compared to NRC ranges for nutrient 18 tongue, very small mouth and absence requirements of dog, cat, fox and mink diets via oral ingestion of contaminated feed began again. At the time of writing, that may be important in helping the by the animal. Additionally, Termant Marwell’s two male anteaters have animal settle in. In this particular case, removes the need for raw meat and been receiving Termant as a complete both Marwell and Lisbon use Termant dairy products to be included in the diet for approximately two and a half to feed their anteaters and hence the captive diet of giant anteaters making it years. Body weights were monitored animal being moved did not have to more hygienic to prepare by eliminating throughout the dietary change to ensure undergo any dietary transition, limiting the need for keepers to handle these that any fluctuations could be identified the degree of change associated with potentially higher risk foods (such foods and the appropriate alterations to the the move. In addition to the potential are more susceptible to salmonella and diet or transitional approach made. animal related benefits, the keepers did other pathogens). Pleasingly however, both individuals not need to spend resources continuing Termant is quicker and easier to maintained consistent body weights with or phasing out particular dietary prepare than more traditional diets throughout the transition period, and habits from the previous zoo. resulting in greatly reduced feed over the subsequent two years. To date, 18 zoological collections preparation time. This frees up keeper within Europe are currently either time which can be maximised for easier travel trialling or fully utilising Termant other tasks essential to managing such Interestingly, the recent move of a for their giant anteaters or similar specialised animals, such as carrying out male anteater from Marwell Wildlife to insectivorous species, for instance behavioural monitoring or developing Lisbon Zoo in Portugal has highlighted aardvarks, (Proteles cristata) and managing an environmental an additional benefit of using a simple, and tamanduas (Tamandua spp). Future enrichment programme. nutritionally complete and standardised research to determine whether Termant The first batch of ‘Termant’ was diet. The transfer of animals between influences captive behaviour, health made available to Marwell on 6th zoological collections for breeding or and welfare, or reproductive measures of Termant Nutrients (%) Range of NRC June 2008 and transition from the exhibition purposes can be challenging these highly specialised animals in the (10% H2O Basis) Requirements (%) traditional diet to Termant was to both the animal and the keepers longer term is essential. carefully managed for two adult male at the new location. Animal stress Crude oil 10.17 5 – 9 giant anteaters. The process took associated with inter-zoo transfers Acknowledgements Crude protein 28.33 22 – 30 approximately 10 weeks and involved can lead to both short- and long-term We express our sincere thanks to the following for Arachidonic acid 0.05 0.02 – 0.05 a gradual substitution of the traditional difficulties such as loss of appetite or a their help and contribution to this project: diet with Termant in increments of reduction in reproductive success. For Mazuri Zoo Foods UK Taurine 0.19 0.17 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. keepers the task of sourcing dietary Peter Bircher, former Curator, Marwell Wildlife Calcium 1.44 0.5 – 1.10 Following two incidences of loss of components that may have previously Jonathan Cracknell, former Zoological Director, appetite, the quantities of Termant been included in the individual’s Marwell Wildlife Total phosphorus 1.08 0.40 – 0.90 were reduced and the original diet was food can make accommodating a new Andy Beer, Senior Practitioner in Animal Nutritional components of Termant as compared to NRC ranges for nutrient temporarily reinstated, after which animal even more time-consuming and Management, Sparsholt College Hampshire requirements of dog, cat, fox and mink diets incremental reintroduction of Termant draw resources away from other tasks South Section keepers at Marwell Wildlife 19 feed identification

Engels Meidoorn (Tweestijlige) Mayflower Crataegus laevigata

Duits Bijzonderheden: Zweigriffelige Engels Weißdorn In het wild zijn de bessen van de meidoorn een belangrijke Wych elm voedingsbron voor veel dieren variërend van de bruine beer Iep (Ruwe) tot vleermuizen. Ulmus glabra Duits Bergulme

Bijzonderheden: Wordt goed opgenomen. Beschrijving Lengte blad: 2 tot 6 cm Breedte blad: 2 tot 5 cm

Bladeren Beschrijving hebben Lengte blad: Paardenkastanje (Witte) dubbel 14 – 18 cm getande Aesculus hippocastanum Breedte blad: randen, 7 – 9 cm liggen Engels Bijzonderheden: verspreid Horse Bladeren en hebben De zaden van de witte paardenkastanje zijn giftig: ze bevatten chestnut liggen 2 tot 3 licht een glycoside, aesculine. Daarom is het van belang om de noten verspreid,ingesneden Duits hebben een lobben (kastanjes) buiten bereik van dieren te houden. Gewöhnliche toegespitst Rosskastanie einde met een scheve bladvoet en dubbel gezaagde randen

Beschrijving Lengte blad: 10 – 25 cm Breedte blad: 5 – 12 cm

Bladeren zijn handvormig opgedeeld in vijf tot zeven Samenstelling: onbekend deelblaadjes Nutrient: ds RA RE 46 (%) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds)RV (%ds) RC NDF (%ds) ADF (g/kg Ca ds) P (g/kg ds) Bladeren zijn samengesteld, liggen tegen- over elkaar

Engels Roos (Hondsroos) Dog rose Rosa canina Samenstelling: RV RC NDF ADF Ca P 41 Nutrient: ds RA RE (%) (%ds)Duits (%ds) (%ds) (%ds)Bijzonderheden: (%ds)15 (%ds) 45 25 (g/kg 1,9 ds) 0,2 (g/kg ds) 10 21 3 Blad Hunds Rose Gekweekte rozen worden tijdens de groeiperiode wel met bestrij- dingsmiddelen besproeid. Daarom is het goed om na te gaan waar de rozen vandaan komen. Gedroogd blad wordt wel graag gegeten. Zomereik Engels

English oak Quercus robur

Bijzonderheden: Duits In de eikels zit veel tannine en kan bij grote inname dodelijk zijn. Beschrijving Stieleiche Het blad Samenstelling:Ook in het jonge blad zit een vrij hoge dosis tannine. van de roos Nutrient:Er kan ds RAhoningdauw RE op het blad zitten. Deze plakkerige vloeistof bestaat uit kan sommige(%) (%ds) (%ds) schimmels (%ds) (%ds) RVaantrekken. (%ds) RC NDF (%ds) ADF (g/kg Ca ds) P (g/kg ds) een aantal Blad 11 kleinere 17 3 28 blaadjes die aan een 47 centrale stekelige Beschrijving stengel zijn Lengte blad: 7 – 14 cm bevestigd

Blad heeft Bladeren zijn 3 – 7 diepe ovaal en bochtige lancet- insnijdingen vormig en heeft een asymmetrische Rozen vorm variëren in lengte en Bladeren

breedte verspreid en zijn

onregelmatig gelobd

Samenstelling: 20 Nutrient: ds RA RE RV RC NDF ADF Ca P 50 (%) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (g/kg ds) (g/kg ds) 18 32 18 Blad 26

RC NDF ADF Ca P Samenstelling: RV 8,8 2,7

Nutrient: ds(%) RA (%ds) RE (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (g/kg ds) (g/kg ds) 17 4 26 6 60 Blad Knowing what they eat a new book has been put together for zoo keepers to help them better identify and use browse

Tjalling Huisman, University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein, Dept Of Animal Management, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands; Joeke Nijboer, Blijdorp Zoo, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Paardenkastanje (Witte) The importance of browse improve general knowledge on browse chapters tackle browse quality, browse Aesculus hippocastanum as part of the diet of many properties and use. conservation and the use of browse Engels zoo species and as a helpful It was agreed to produce a book of as enrichment. The final section of Bijzonderheden: Horse De zaden van de witte paardenkastanje zijn giftig: ze bevatten chestnut tool for environmental approximately 100 pages. The core the book contains a glossary with een glycoside, aesculine. Daarom is het van belang om de noten enrichment is now regularly part of the book should consist of explanations of specific browse terms Duits (kastanjes) buiten bereik van dieren te houden. Gewöhnliche described in zoo nutrition pictures and descriptions of browse and general nutrition terms. There is Rosskastanie publications. Yet browse species and additional information on also a list of useful books and other remains a relatively unusual feeding value. On the same pages the publications for further reading, and feed item compared to more scientific as well as the English and websites. ‘traditional’ product like hay, German vernacular names should be produce, fruit and pelleted feeds. given. In addition to pictures, the book Beschrijving Further developments Lengte blad: There are few people who have should also contain information on During the development of the book 10 – 25 cm Breedte blad: knowledge of what is suitable general aspects of browse use, toxicity it again became clear that there is 5 – 12 cm browse. Many zoo workers are of browse, conserving browse and a comparatively little known about the Bladeren zijn not aware of the feeding value glossary. properties of browse. Reliable data handvormig opgedeeld in of browse, which browse is on the nutritional composition of vijf tot zeven deelblaadjes suitable for which species, and the Browse pictures browse species are scarce and often potential unwanted side effects Information from several past surveys based on a very small sample size. Bladeren zijn samengesteld, of feeding the wrong browse. on browse use in Dutch zoos was used Another difficulty is that experiences liggen tegen- over elkaar Furthermore most people cannot to make a list of browse species for with browse use are not systematically recognise most browse species. This inclusion in the book. Combining the collected, let alone published. is quite understandable since it is outcomes of several surveys resulted Although some initiatives have been still a relatively new feed item and in a list with 42 species including started to improve this situation, in regular courses on nutrition and related species like sow thistle (Sonchus progress in this matter is still slow. The feeding not much, if any, attention oleraceus), common nettle (Urtica initiative of the Dutch Zoo Keepers is paid to this type of feed. This lack dioica) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Federation to produce this publication Zomereik Engels of knowledge about the properties of Initially it was planned to collect is a good example of how such a body Quercus robur English oak browse results in the underuse of this photos taken by students tackling can contribute to the dissemination

Bijzonderheden: important feed item. When they have project work but the results were rather of nutritional knowledge. The authors Duits In de eikels zit veel tannine en kan bij grote inname dodelijk zijn. Stieleiche Samenstelling:Ook in het jonge blad zit een vrij hoge dosis tannine. the choice, people responsible for the disappointing. hope that other keeper organisations Nutrient:Er kan ds RAhoningdauw RE op het blad zitten. Deze plakkerige vloeistof care of animals will choose well-known To obtain good illustrations two large follow their example. kan sommige(%) (%ds) (%ds) schimmels (%ds) (%ds) RVaantrekken. (%ds) RC NDF (%ds) ADF (g/kg Ca ds) P (g/kg ds) Blad ingredients. illustrated botanical works were used. The next initiative is the translation 11 17 3 28 The pictures taken from the books of the booklet into English to make 47 Knowledge on browse increases use were digitally captured and since the it available to a wider audience. Beschrijving Browse use will increase when more books were printed more than 100 The intention is to publish it before Lengte blad: 7 – 14 cm people involved in zoo animal care years ago, there were no copyright the EAZA Annual Conference in

Blad heeft have more knowledge on the properties issues. The combination of picture Montpellier in September 2011 but it 3 – 7 diepe bochtige of browse and its possibilities and also source and digital adaptation resulted will certainly be available at the 7th insnijdingen en heeft een become better trained in recognising in very clear and attractive pictures. European Zoo Nutrition Conference in asymmetrische vorm browse. Zurich in January 2012.

Bladeren The Dutch Zookeepers Federation Informative texts verspreid en zijn (De Harpij) occasionally produces The book starts with a chapter on Acknowledgments onregelmatig booklets on subjects of interest to the use of browse with information Many people have contributed to the production of gelobd zoo keepers, such as environmental on which steps to take when feeding this booklet. The authors wish to thank the Dutch enrichment. The Zookeepers browse, as well as guidelines on the Zoo Keepers Federation for the assignment; Jantijn Federation approached the authors amounts to use. The chapter also van de Heuvel for the excellent graphical and with the request to develop a book gives a list of animal species for which production work; Rob Doolaard and Blijdorp zoo for on browse use and determination browse is an important feed item. the photographs; The National Herbarium in Leiden with contents adapted to the target Another chapter focuses on secondary for assisting in finding the illustrations; students group, zoo keepers. This assignment plant components and how to avoid Koen van Geenen, Piko Fieggen, Anouk Fens and offered the opportunity to spread and the risks when using browse. Further Jade Kasdorp for all their research. 21

RC NDF ADF Ca P Samenstelling: RV 8,8 2,7

Nutrient: ds(%) RA (%ds) RE (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (%ds) (g/kg ds) (g/kg ds) 17 4 26 6 60 Blad Nutrients Greengrocery guide Nutrient composition tables for fruits and vegetables as a decision tool for zoo animal keepers

Marcus Clauss and Jean-Michel Hatt, Clinic for Zoo Animals, University of Zurich; Jürgen Hummel, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn

fruits In human nutrition, fruits and vegetables are usually considered to be Water Rest protein available calcium phosphorus particularly healthy diet ingredients. carbohydrates Therefore, feeding such items to zoo dry matter % ‰ animals is often regarded as proof for a %% ------dry matter ------particularly engaged, attentive feeding Honey 18.6 81.4 0.5 92.3 0.1 0.2 regime. However, in zoo literature, the feeding of such commercial fruits Rock melon 87.0 13.0 6.9 92.5* 0.5 1.6 (cultivated to please the human Water melon 93.2 6.8 8.8 90.5* 1.5 1.6 palate) to herbivores, Pineapple 85.3 14.7 3.1 89.3 1.1 0.6 and especially primates has been Grapes 81.1 18.9 3.6 85.2 1.0 1.1 discouraged for a long time. To understand this discrepancy, we Apple 85.3 14.7 2.3 84.3 0.5 0.8 have to remember that, for humans, Dried dates 20.2 79.8 2.3 83.1 0.8 0.7 fruit is usually better than other Cherry 82.8 17.2 5.2 82.6 1.0 1.2 snack alternatives such as chocolate bars or biscuits. If humans wanted to Banana 73.9 26.1 4.4 82.0 0.3 1.1 live particularly healthy, they would Grapefruit 89.0 11.0 5.5 81.4 1.6 1.5 eat green leafy vegetables rather Pear 84.3 15.7 3.0 80.6 0.6 1.0 than fruits as snacks – but we know intuitively that such recommendations Peach 87.5 12.5 6.1 75.5 0.6 1.8 would meet with little enthusiasm. Mango 82.0 18.0 3.3 71.1 0.7 0.7 In the wild, there is nothing that Plum 83.7 16.3 3.7 70.0 0.9 1.1 resembles the nutrient composition Apricot 85.3 14.7 6.1 67.6 1.1 1.4 of commercial fruits. Those ‘fruits’ that eat in their natural Gooseberry 87.3 12.7 6.3 66.9 2.3 2.4 habitat have a completely different Kiwi 83.8 16.2 6.2 66.5 2.3 1.9 nutrient composition from commercial Fig 80.2 19.8 6.6 65.2 2.7 1.6 fruits (Schwitzer et al 2009). This is due to the fact that commercial Orange 85.7 14.3 7.0 64.3 2.9 1.6 fruit contains high concentrations of Strawberry 89.5 10.5 7.8 61.4 2.5 2.8 sugar – this is why we like to eat them. Blackcurrant 81.3 18.7 6.8 53.3 2.5 2.1 ‘Wild fruits’ contain much less sugar, and more fibre. If we want to mimic Redcurrant 84.7 15.3 7.4 48.6 1.9 1.8 their nutrient composition, we need Blueberry 84.6 15.4 3.9 47.8 0.6 0.8 to feed green leafy vegetables, not Blackberry 84.7 15.3 7.8 46.7 2.9 2.0 commercial fruit. Commercial fruits are only adequate for species that Raspberry 84.5 15.5 8.4 44.6 2.6 2.8 are adapted to a natural diet of high Guava 83.5 16.5 5.5 40.6 1.0 1.9 sugar content – such as nectarivorous Papaya 87.9 12.1 4.3 19.8 1.7 1.4 birds, for example. Additionally, Avocado 68.0 32.0 5.9 1.3 (due to 0.3 1.2 commercial fruit has an unfavourable high fat content) *minimum Red items should be used rarely if at all; DARK/LIGHT ORANGE AND LIGHT GREEN ITEMS are ok and dark green items are better/best to feed. Note: Source: Souci/Fachmann/Kraut ‘Die Zusammensetzung der Lebensmittel – Nährwert-Tabellen 1989/90’. 4. Auflage, Wiss. 22 Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart vegetables

Water Rest protein available calcium phosphorus carbohydrates dry matter % ‰ %% ------dry matter ------Sweet 69.2 30.8 5.3 94.0* 1.1 1.5 potato Manioc/ 63.1 36.9 2.7 86.9 1.0 1.0 Tapioca calcium/phosphorus ratio; for Beetroot 88.8 11.2 13.7 76.9 2.6 4.0 example, primates fed predominantly Potato raw/ 77.8 22.2 9.2 69.4 0.4 2.3 on commercial fruit are prone to cooked metabolic bone disease. Note that, in the tables shown here, no commercial Cucumber 96.8 3.2 18.8 64.7 4.7 7.2 fruit is adequate in terms of its Tomato 94.2 5.8 16.4 59.5 2.4 4.5 calcium/phosphorus ratio. Pumpkin 91.3 8.7 12.6 54.9 2.5 5.1 Many frugivorous animals show adaptations to high-fibre diets. They Green beans 90.3 9.7 24.6 54.5 5.9 3.9 simply will not ingest fibre in a form Onion 87.6 12.4 10.1 46.7 2.5 3.4 we are most used to – as hay or typical Kohlrabi 91.6 8.4 23.1 45.8 8.1 5.9 ‘roughages’. Green leafy vegetables Carrot 88.2 11.8 8.3 41.8 3.5 3.0 should be better in this respect. Unfortunately, in practice, animals Chicoree 94.4 5.6 23.2 41.4 4.6 4.6 sometimes do not tolerate a change Squash 88.7 11.3 12.4 40.6 2.4 3.8 from commercial fruits to green leafy Radish 94.4 5.6 18.8 39.6 6.1 4.7 vegetables easily, and thus make the respective diet changes doubtful for all Aubergine 92.6 7.4 16.8 35.9 1.8 2.9 personnel involved. In an attempt to Sweet 91.0 9.0 13.0 35.7 1.2 3.2 make diet changes part of everyone’s pepper routine thinking, we collated literature Celery stalks 92.9 7.1 16.9 30.7 11.3 6.8 data on the protein, non-fibre Cauliflower 91.6 8.4 29.3 30.2 2.4 6.4 carbohydrate, calcium and phosphorus content of fruits and vegetables, using Chinese 95.4 4.6 25.9 29.1 8.7 6.5 a colour coding system to indicate cabbage adequacy of items. The objective is Leek 89.0 11.0 20.4 29.0 7.9 4.2 that each zoo keeper should assess Broccoli 89.7 10.3 32.0 27.4 10.2 8.0 the diets usually fed to the animal in their care, and think about, or try out, Zucchini 92.2 7.8 20.5 25.6 3.8 2.9 the acceptance of potentially more Brussels 85.0 15.0 29.7 25.1 2.1 5.6 adequate items before an official diet sprouts change is formulated. In doing this, we Savoy 90.0 10.0 29.5 24.1 4.7 5.6 hope to stimulate active participation cabbage of all involved in zoo animal care in Lettuce 95.0 5.0 25.0 22.0 7.4 6.6 suggesting feasible diet changes. Kale/Green 86.3 13.7 31.4 21.7 15.5 6.4 cabbage Fennel 86.0 14.0 17.4 20.1 7.8 3.6 Celery root 88.6 11.4 13.6 19.7 6.0 7.0 Girasole 78.9 21.1 11.6 19.0 0.5 3.7 Artichoke 82.5 17.5 13.7 16.6 3.0 7.4 Field salad/ 93.4 6.6 27.9 10.6 5.3 7.4 Lamb’s lettuce Mangold 92.2 7.8 27.3 8.8 12.8 5.0 Spinach 91.6 8.4 30.0 7.3 15.0 6.5 Parsley 81.9 18.1 24.5 7.2 13.5 7.1 Endive 94.3 5.7 30.7 5.3 9.5 9.5 23 breeding

Sugaring the message tackling Nutrition associated stillbirths in golden-headed

Anouk Fens, Wageningen University; M. Fermaat and Tjalling Huisman, University of Applied Science Van Hall Larenstein

In early 2010, Antwerp Zoo taxonomically belong to the family average body weight of 83g, which is was thrilled by the birth of two Callitrichidae. They are Endangered high compared to the average body endangered golden-headed lion in the wild, with population declines weight of healthy new-borns in the tamarins. Part of the reason for this estimated to be over 50% in the last wild (50 g) (Napier & Napier, 1985; joy was that in some European zoos, 21 years. Since 1999, the breeding Ross, 1991). including Antwerp, the breeding of of golden-headed lion tamarins in To determine the nutritional intake these tamarins is often characterised Antwerp Zoo has resulted seven of the tamarins, the current diet fed in by a high percentage of stillbirths. out of ten newborns being stillborn. Antwerp Zoo was evaluated and the A diet evaluation study has been Necropsies have revealed dystocia nutrient profile on a dry matter basis carried out in order to investigate the (difficult delivery) caused by foetal compared to nutritional requirements relationship between inappropriate macrosomia (disproportionately large for Callitrichidae provided by the feeding and stillbirth. Zoos that have young) as the main cause of this high National Research Council (2003). experienced problems with stillbirths mortality. The stillborn young had an However, no requirements were were feeding the tamarins a diet relatively high in sugar content, Table 1: Nutritional composition in % DM of the diets fed the eight European zoos. Four zoos were caused by the proportion of fruit excluded because the lack of a breeding pair during the study period. included. Although the diet of wild golden-headed lion tamarins consists ‘stillbirth zoos’ ‘non-stillbirth zoos’ mainly of fruit, sugar compositions Nutrient 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 of fruit consumed in the wild are ME (MJ) 1.2 2.0 1.4 1.65 2.0 1.6 1.6 2.0 much lower compared to sugar CP (g) 15.6 20.4 12.9* 29.2 31.2 21.5 22.7 29.4 levels in the cultivated fruit we NDF (g) 8.0 9.6 11.4 7.2 2.2 10.3 10.6 7.1 feed our zoo animals. Consuming a ADF (g) 3.1 6.0 8.6 3.3 1.2 4.6 4.2 4.4 high sugar level increases the risk of Total sugar (g) 16.8 43.4 34.9 30.5 31.8 16.6 19.7 27.5 developing gestation diabetes and Glucose (g) 4.9 12.4 5.8 8.2 3.2 5.2 5.0 9.0 foetal macrosomia, which in humans Fructose (g) 7.8 14.5 8.8 10.2 5.3 6.0 7.8 12.6 may lead to macrosomia and stillbirth Sucrose (g) 4.0 10.1 5.1 3.5 2.8 4.3 6.6 5.3 mortality. Ca (g) 3.6 3.1 0.7 0.7 0.5 1.1 1.6 0.8 Golden-headed lion tamarins P (g) 2.9 2.9 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.5 (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) are small, diurnal South American primates that * Data provided was incomplete, thus value is the minimum calculated 24 Burkhard Marcel Ta ble 2: Average sugar composition in % DM of the diet fed in ‘stillbirth zoos’ and ‘non-stillbirth zoos’ and may be caused by gestation diabetes the sugar composition of wild fruit in % DM, obtained from Schwitzer et al, 2003. and maternal obesity. Dietary sugar Nutrient ‘stillbirth zoos’ (N=4) ‘non-stillbirth zoo’ (N=4*) Wild fruit influences glucose homeostasis so consuming high sugar levels increases Glucose 7.7 5.6 1.2 the risk of developing (gestation) Fructose 10.4 7.9 1.0 diabetes and obesity, which both Sucrose 6.4 4.8 0.1 may possibly lead to macrosomia and stillbirth. ** Four out of eight ‘non-stillbirth zoos’ were not taken into account, because those zoos did not have a Except for Antwerp Zoo, most breeding couple/no offspring in the last five years. zoos did not weigh their animals on a regular basis and could not provide found for glucose, fructose and sucrose, foods were used, along with some us with information on body weight, therefore the sugar contents of fruit uncommon products, such as parsnip, so no conclusions about obesity were consumed by tamarins in the wild was coconut, , cheese and yeast. drawn. It is recommended that all used as an indication (obtained from After comparing the nutrient values zoos start weighing their animals on a Schwitzer et al, 2009). of the diets fed in ‘stillbirth zoos’ to regular basis. To get an insight into diets fed in those fed in ‘non-stillbirth zoos’ and to To prevent excessive birth weight in European zoos in relation to stillbirth the composition of fruit in the wild, no the future, lower dietary sugar levels mortality, a survey was sent to all large differences were found, except for can be achieved by removing fruit European zoos that currently keep the sugar levels (Table 1). items gradually from the diet, and by golden-headed lion tamarins in In both Antwerp Zoo and the other avoiding other sugar-rich products. their collection. A distinction was ‘stillbirth zoos’, the sugar levels fed Furthermore, literature indicates that a made between zoos with the same were higher. However, sugar levels of diet high in fibre significantly improves reproductive problems as Antwerp both ‘stillbirth’ and ‘non-stillbirth zoos’ blood glucose control compared to a Zoo, so-called ‘stillbirth zoos’, and are elevated when compared to sugar low-fibre diet. Adding products rich zoos which did not have any stillbirth compositions of wild fruit, with slightly in soluble fibres, such as gum Arabic related problems, the so-called ‘non- higher levels found in the ‘stillbirth or beet pulp, may be a good addition stillbirth zoos’. zoos’ (Table 2). to the diets of ‘stillbirth zoos’. Both It was determined whether the diets The higher dietary sugar levels in dietary changes might have a positive fed in those groups of zoos varied in ‘stillbirth zoos’ compared to ‘non- effect on controlling blood glucose nutrient composition, and whether stillbirth zoos’ were caused by a higher levels and therefore reducing the any differences might be linked to proportion of fruit in the diet. In incidence of macrosomia and stillbirth nutritional factors contributing to general, the higher sugar levels fed in in the tamarins. macrosomia and stillbirth mortality. captivity are a consequence of wild fruit The value of nutrition surveys are The survey requested ‘general containing lower sugar levels compared often underestimated. However, as information’ (number of species held, to cultivated fruit (see Table 3). in this case, nutrition surveys can sex ratio, housing) ‘diet’ (design, It is known that that foetal be a powerful tool in evaluating and supplementation), and ‘stillbirth’ macrosomia in humans, which may optimising nutrition of zoo animals (reproduction problems, body weight have contributed to the dystocia and and, therefore, can be of great of dead young). Almost half of 44 stillbirths recorded for the tamarins, importance for European breeding zoos returned their survey (19 in total: programmes. 7 ‘stillbirth zoos’; 12 ‘non-stillbirth zoos’). Data from returned diet sheets References were used to calculate the dietary LLOYD, M.L., SUSA, J.B., PELTO, J.A. and SAVAGE, A. values and nutrient compositions of (1995): Gestational diabetes mellitus in a white- all diets obtained compared with the faced saki (Pithecia pithecia). Journal of Zoo and nutrient requirements for Callitrichidae. Wildlife Medicine Vol. 26, No.1, pp. 76 – 81. Within the 12 zoos that were NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL analysed, large differences were found ACEDEMIES (NRC). (2003): Nutrient requirements of between food items. In total, 86 Nonhuman primates. 2nd Revised Edition. National different ingredients were fed, with only Academy of Science, Washington D.C. apple and banana common to all. All SCHWITZER, C., POLOWINSKY, S. and SOLMAN, C. zoos added supplements to their diet, (2009): Fruits as foods – common misconceptions and seven different commercial primate about frugivory. In: Clauss, M., Fidgett, A., Janssens, Gl, Hatt, J-M., Huisman, T., Hummel, J., Nijboer, J. Ta ble 3: Sugar composition of wild fruits and cultivated fruits (mean in % DM ±sd) (Schwitzer et al., 2009) and Plowman, A. Zoo Animal Nutrition Vol. IV. pp. Nutrient Wild fruits Cultivated fruits 131-168. ZHANG, C., LIU, S., SOLOMON, C.S. and HU, F.B. Fructose 1.03 ± 1.19 17.74 ± 11.04

ns (2006): Dietary Fiber Intake, Dietary Glycemic Load, e f Sucrose 0.12 ± 0.14 16.03 ± 14.24 and the Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. uk uk

no Glucose 1.15 ± 1.17 13.51± 8.86 Diabetes Care. Vol 29. No 1. a 25 Education

Course of action A special report on an animal nutrition course for zoo keepers

Tjallling Huisman and Jolanda Polet, University of Applied Science Van Hall Larenstein

A zoo animal nutrition course for nutrition as a course subject. There Dutch zoo keepers and other zoo was a high percentage of ‘false’ ideas staff was organised in 2010. Three amongst the respondents, such as the courses took place with a total of 50 necessity for fruit and for supplements participants and evaluations showed and the existence of animal nutritional that the content met the expectations wisdom. Many respondents stated that and requirements of the participants. they made occasional diet changes without further consultation. In Why this course? general, respondents felt that there was Over recent decades, knowledge on not enough formal communication of zoo animal nutrition has improved nutrition practice between keepers and considerably. Results of large and small other staff. research projects and case studies were Based on the results of this project (and still are) disseminated through and further experiences during case conferences in the US and Europe. studies, it seems that communication Many studies have been published might be the big issue for further in scientific and other journals or advancement of zoo animal nutrition specialised books like the ‘Zoo animal and the implementation of new nutrition’ series. Participants of discoveries. Keepers often do not fully conferences and readers of scientific believe the nutritional advice they get journals tend to be researchers, (from inside and outside), and have animal nutritionists, specialised their own ideas. The experiences and zoo staff and zoo management. Zoo knowledge of keepers seems to be an keepers, however, don’t often attend underused source. conferences, and journals in which such results are published are not How to improve aimed at this specific group and rarely nutrition communication read by them. Adequate communication between Yet zoo keepers play a key role in zoo all parties involved in zoo animal animal nutrition. In many cases they nutrition is a prerequisite for the are the ones who prepare the feed, offer successful implementation of new diets the feed to the animals and report on and for getting useful feedback after their experiences with the diet. They diet changes. A better understanding of are the first to observe changes in the ‘why’ behind a diet or diet change animal health and behaviour as a result increases the willingness to follow up of the diet or a diet change. Therefore proposals for diet change. Speaking the they are potentially an indispensible same nutritional language on all levels ‘tool’ for the assessment of diets and contributes significantly towards the diet changes. exchange of information in and outside In 2005, 87 zoo keepers and 19 the organisation. other staff (nutritionists, curators, A dedicated course on zoo animal veterinarians) from eight Dutch zoos nutrition could contribute to improved were interviewed and/or asked to fill communication. Van Hall Larenstein in a questionnaire on their knowledge of the University of Applied Sciences of and attitude towards zoo animal started a project to design such a course nutrition. Among the remarkable in 2009. This project was carried out results was the revelation that in formal with the support of the nutrition group education for future zoo keepers, little of the Dutch Zoo Federation (NVD) 26 or no attention is paid to zoo animal and the EAZA Nutrition Group (ENG). The project was funded by an ‘best practice’ examples were given. added. These posters were presented education innovation grant from the Participants were requested to hand and discussed with the lecturers and Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and by in their work one week before the fellow participants. the participating education institutes. following course day. For this a special course email account and a website Evaluation Course content and design with file exchange abilities was Each of the three courses given in The course is three days long in total, available. The course team collected 2010 was evaluated by an extensive but spread over time so that between and edited the participants’ work and questionnaire. In total there were 50 each course day there is a period of this was presented on the next course participants of whom 38 filled in the approximately one month. During the day. questionnaires completely. Course periods in between the participants During the first course day three participants were on average very are expected to carry out assignments assignments were introduced: Body satisfied with the course as a whole. aimed at one of the species they are (or Condition Scoring (BCS), Scoring of On a 10-point scale, the reader, feel) responsible for. Faeces, and Reading and Interpreting assignments, course location and Subjects covered during course days Feed Labels. For the body condition catering scored on average a mark included a general introduction on scoring assignment the participants between 7.7 and 8. Points of criticism zoo animal nutrition as a specialised were asked to develop a BCS scale for included the length of the course day, subject, the anatomy of the gastro- their animals with the help of photos a perceived bias in course intestinal tract in relation to feed taken or collected. The faecal scoring content and lack of information on choice, composition of in situ diets assignment took a similar form. For the nutrition of juvenile animals. The and what can be learned from it for the label assignment, participants specially developed course website zoo diet assessment, and the pitfalls were asked to collect a label from a (www.dierentuinvoeding.nl) scored of supplementation. More general concentrate or similar product used 6.7, probably due to the fact that the subjects were a series of lectures on for their animals. A set of questions website was underused during the nutrients and energy, the properties of was available to help participants course. dietary items, the role of UV-B, and understand and interpret label safe working with animal products. information. Follow up Examples and case descriptions were The final assignment, presented During the course lots of valuable always zoo animal-related. on the second course day, required material was collected from the A special course manual was participants to measure feed and, if participants, forming a resource for the developed with additional material, possible, feed leftovers for five to seven development of further educational hints for information resources on zoo consecutive days. From this the average content like instruction posters and animal nutrition and an extensive amount given or average intake per case descriptions, to be used for future glossary. animal per day had to be calculated courses. Financing the development with the help of a specially developed and implementation of these types of Course assignments spreadsheet. Two weeks before the last courses is a difficult task, especially in An important aspect of the course course day the results were sent to the the current economic climate. The was a set of assignments aimed course team and from this the amount course team, however, is convinced at species chosen by each course of energy offered and a nutrient profile that a course like this contributes participant. The assignments were (average nutrient composition on to the advancement of zoo animal to be carried out in the two periods dry matter basis) was calculated by nutrition. Therefore we hope to between the three course days. By them. All the material was edited and continue the initiative both nationally encouraging assignments based around made available on the last course day and (if possible) internationally. the participants ‘own’ animals, the together with the material from the course team aimed to achieve a better previous assignments. Additionally, Acknowledgments connection between the theory information on energy and nutrient The authors wish to thank the Dutch Zoo federation presented and daily practice. requirements and wild diet ingredients Nutrition Group and the ENG steering committee The assignments were introduced was made available to the participants. group of the ENG for their support, and also the with a presentation during a course In the afternoon of the last course following for their valuable contributions: Joeke day. Assignments were supported day the participants were asked to Nijboer, Cora Berndt, Jan Bos, Martine Verheij, with a handout on which the steps to make a poster with the available Marcus Clauss, Andrea Fidgett, Loes Spit, Siebren be taken were described and where material and their own comments Kuperus, the course participants and many others. 27 nutritional myths

Nutrition myths exposed! ‘Animals have nutritional wisdom, don’t they?’ and other misconceptions...

EAZA Nutrition Group

There are many views about feeding zoo animals required. Yet in free-ranging and captive animals that are long established but incorrect; you few studies have demonstrated the ability to might call them zoo nutrition myths. Although forage for particular nutrients, although appetites nutrition is an area of animal management which for sodium and calcium exist in several groups is increasingly better studied and documented, of species. Factors such as taste, texture, odour, sometimes the lessons learned have not been size, shape, colour and even movement are all available or summarised plainly enough for all to important facets in preferences and palatability, at read and learn, and misinformation continues to times even more so than actual nutrient content. be used every day. But with a little effort, false Just because foods are easily accepted and impressions can be corrected. consumed, does not automatically mean they are Members of the EAZA Nutrition Group were nutritionally correct and appropriate. Specifically, invited by email to submit false views, statements foods that are high in sugar and fat are readily or mistakes they most commonly encountered. accepted but tend to have a poor nutritional Zoo personnel working across Europe, North balance overall. and South America, Africa & Australia came Nonetheless, wild animals must make the up with 100 suggestions. Below is a selection right choices in their natural habitat. We even of the zoo nutrition myths, with explanations use wild diet information to estimate nutrient on why the views are incorrect from an expert requirements. This might seem contradictory to panel of the EAZA Nutrition Group Steering the statements above, however dietary habits Committee. While by no means a comprehensive in the wild are a result of processes which we list of common errors, it is a good starting point all know as ‘’ and ‘natural selection’. for improving zoo animal nutrition. It is hoped Animals which make the wrong dietary choices to make the full list (plus explanations) a feature don’t survive in the wild let alone pass on their of the EAZA Nutrition Group area of the EAZA genes. It is obvious that for various reasons website. these processes cannot be replicated in a zoo environment. It is our responsibility to be the Animals have nutritional wisdom, don’t they? wise ones. The innate ability of animals to always seek out deficient nutrients is a myth and, instead, An optimal diet consists entirely animals (like us) consume what they like to eat. of natural foods, such as produce. Nutritional wisdom has been suggested as a means Unless and until zoos are able to replicate the by which animals obtain a nutritionally balanced complexity of diets encountered in the wild, diet. The theory proposes that animals have animals will be faced with choices they haven’t ‘specific hungers’ and can sense nutrients in the evolved to make. Most ‘natural’ foods used in diet, thereby making selections for the elements zoo nutrition are cultivated for human tastes

28 and are nutritionally quite distinct from their might better suit the dietary requirements of wild counterparts. Although the physical form frugivores. of food, dietary diversity and food presentation is vital for promoting normal feeding behaviour Nutritional software and physiology, specific nutrients are required, tells you whether diets are good or bad. not necessary specific foods. We can rarely Software will calculate the nutrient composition duplicate ingredients of any animals’ diet in a of a diet for you, and maybe even compare it to captive situation. What we can duplicate are the requirement data so that you can judge whether the nutrients contained within that diet, using nature diet is meeting those requirements, or in excess, or as a basis for evaluating chemical composition in deficiency. However, the nature of such software and guiding dietary form and presentation. always makes it necessary that someone with some background knowledge checks the source data, Supermarket fruits are the whether the results are plausible, and whether the perfect dietary substitute for wild fruits. requirement data is correctly chosen. Designing In the wild, animals eat reproductive a diet does not begin or end with playing with a parts of plants, termed ‘fruits’ in botanical science. software program; you need to know what feeds Their nutrient composition largely deviates from you have available, what your animals will eat, commonly known fruits like apples, oranges and what the feeding logistics are (ie you have to be bananas. The natural diet contains amounts of able to tell if a diet is realistic – something the fibre that by far exceed the level in commercial computer won’t tell you). You will never get an fruits. The combination of a high sugar and low absolute match of diet and requirement data, and fibre content in commercial fruits in comparison you will have to be able to distinguish important with wild fruits, makes them rich in energy. This from irrelevant discrepancies. A typical example increases the risk of developing obesity, especially would be a diet that is adequate in minerals and since many captive animals cannot display the vitamins but contains unrealistic fat levels (for same activity level as in nature. Although the which no requirement data exist). Finally, a ‘good’ public often considers obese animals as cuddly, or ‘balanced’ diet is not only fundamental to it makes the animals more prone to metabolic animal welfare but, as with humans, it also is a key disorders, eg diabetes. Some vegetables might element in health and fertility. Thus, reproduction therefore better suit the dietary requirements of and absence of disease are more reliable indicators frugivores than commercial fruits. Contrary to of successful nutrition. Knowledge and experience popular belief, green leafy vegetables are as rich of working with a wide range of species-specific in vitamins as commonly used fruit items such peculiarities are essential skills that cannot as apples, although vegetables have lower sugar currently be incorporated in computer programs concentrations, and higher fibre content, which and must be present when using software tools.

29 EAZA Nutrition Group www.eaza.net/activities/pages/nutrition.aspx The EAZA Nutrition Group (ENG), reporting to the Research Zoo Animal Nutrition Books Committee, seeks to improve communication and These books gather together the scientific contributions to coordination among all those engaged in research, education, the European Zoo Nutrition Conferences. Abstracts for all of or application of comparative (zoo) nutrition, and those the articles in each book can be found on the EAZA website. requiring nutrition information, chiefly within zoological institutions of Europe. The mission statement of the ENG is: Zoo Animal Nutrition IV (2009) Edited by M. Clauss, A. Fidgett, G. Janssens, J.-M. Hatt, T. ‘To promote and support nutrition in zoological Huisman, J. Hummel, J. Nijboer, A. Plowman. Filander Verlag, institutions as an essential component of their Fürth, ISBN-13: 978-3-930831-72-2 conservation mission’ Zoo Animal Nutrition III (2006) Edited by A. Fidgett, M. Clauss, K. Eulenberger, J.-M. Hatt, I. Membership is open to all individuals who support the aims Hume, G. Janssens, J. Nijboer. Filander Verlag, Fürth, ISBN-10: of the EAZA Nutrition Group or need to know how they can 3-930831-57-0, ISBN-13: 978-3-930831-57-9 improve nutrition in their zoo. Joining the group is simple; Zoo Animal Nutrition II (2003) please e-mail Andrea Fidgett ([email protected]) Edited by A. Fidgett, M. Clauss, U. Gansloßer, J.-M. Hatt, J. putting ‘Join ENG’ in the subject line. Afterwards, you will Nijboer. Filander Verlag, Fürth, ISBN-10: 3-930831-51-1 receive a form asking for your contact details and also to Zoo Animal Nutrition I (2000) indicate your interests and/or expertise. Edited by J. Nijboer, J.-M. Hatt, W. Kaumanns, A. Beijnen, U. Gansloßer (eds). Filander Verlag, Fürth ISBN-10: 3-930831-29-5 From the Library on the website EAZA Nutrition Group Newsletters European Zoo Nutrition Conferences

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TELEPHONE +45 39651880 - MAIL [email protected] WWW.BROGAARDEN.EU 7th European Zoo Nutrition Conference University of Zurich, 27-30 January 2012 Workshop The conference, including dinners, will be held at the Irchel 27 Jan 0900-1700 Campus of the University of Zurich, with ample space for Feeding herbivores: forage quality evaluation, roughage hygiene, interactions and networking. and diet formulation and assessment Registration fees (Euros)* Conference Type until 30 Sept 2011 after 30 Sept 2011 27 Jan 1800 Icebreaker Workshop 80 110 28 Jan 0900-1700 Scientific and practical sessions Workshop (student) 50 80 (incl. topics 1,2,3) Conference 280 310 29 Jan 0900-1700 Practical sessions incl. demonstrations, Conference (student) 250 280 Question/Answer session, ‘Round table’ *registration fees include poster sessions (incl. topic 4) - for the workshop: coffee breaks and a lunchbag 30 Jan 0900-1200 Scientific sessions (incl. topic 5) - for the conference: icebreaker, coffee breaks, lunchbags on all three days, diner on Saturday and Sunday, 4-day public transport ticket, abstract book Specific topics: (1) Diet imprinting and diet changes Hotel Reservation (2) Feeding of primates We recommend to book rooms (share a double room) at the (3) Feeding of amphibians Hotel Ibis Zurich Messe Airport (4) Feeding of bears Heidi Abel Weg 5, 8050 Zürich (5) Feeding of elephants ... and free topics Tel: 044 307 47 00, Fax: 044 307 47 47, Email: [email protected], Homepage: www.ibishotel.com Oral presentations (10 or 20 minutes, 5 minutes discussion) When booking a room, indicate you come for Poster presentations “European Zoo Nutrition” Q/A-sessions (for question/answer sessions, participants can Prices (per night, including breakfast) send their questions to the organizers in advance in PowerPoint 26–27 Jan 2012 Double bedroom CHF 116.30 format including - if available - photos) Single bedroom CHF 103.30 Podium discussions on the specific topics (and on free topics if 27–30 Jan 2012 Double bedroom CHF 95.30 several submissions are made that relate to each other) Single bedroom CHF 82.30 Demonstrations (body condition and faecal scoring, food Parking CHF 18.00 per night presentation, intake measurements, commissary organisation) The hotel is in walking distance to the conference site. Submission deadlines Oral presentation/poster abstracts: 30 September 2011 Check also regularly http://www.eaza.net/activities/Pages/ Questions for Q/A session: 31 December 2011 NutritionConference.aspx for updates (email to [email protected]) Registration for the conference starts July 2011 through the website