Husbandry and Care of Hoofstock Brent A
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Husbandry and Care of Hoofstock Brent A. Huffman in ZOOKEEPING, Chapter 27, Edited by Mark Irwin et al. INTRODUCTION AND NATURAL HISTORY Hoofed mammals, also known as ungulates, display an incredible diversity of forms, adaptations, and lifestyles— features which make them an enduring part of zoo collections around the world. More than 250 living ungulate species are currently recognized (although recent revisions suggest that there may actually be more than 450 distinct species), with representatives found in nearly every zoogeographic together, they form the new order After studying this chapter, the region and biome on earth. Cetartiodactyla. reader will understand: They range in size from Despite the disparate origins of - anatomical terms specific to rabbit- sized chevrotains hoofed animals, two common traits ungulates impacts of species- (family Tragulidae) to the six- warrant their treatment as a group specific biology on housing, nutrition, meter-tall giraffe (Giraffa for husbandry purposes. First, all and social management camelopardalis) and 3,600- ungulates feed primarily on plants, - effects of ungulate behavior and kilogram White rhinoceros using specialized strategies to deal keeper demeanor on animal and (Ceratotherium simum), with with fibrous foods. Second, all keeper safety social groupings ranging from ungulates have similar physical and - best practices for encouraging solitary species like tapirs behavioral adaptations for avoidance species-appropriate natural (Tapirus spp.) to immense of predators. Although these behaviors herds of more than a million common traits have been - principal issues involved in the Serengeti wildebeest ecologically successful, they present reproductive and medical (Connochaetes taurinus). challenges in the care of hoof stock management of ungulates. (as ungulates are called in captivity). Although united by their Hoofed mammals have a long history BASIC EXTERNAL ANATOMY common possession of of human care: evidence of captive The basic four-legged (quadrupedal) enlarged, weight-bearing sheep exists in the remains of 9,000 mammalian body plan has evolved toenails (hooves), ungulates year old settlements (Herre and for a running (cursorial) existence in do not form a taxonomic Röhrs 1990, 585). More than a ungulates: elongated legs provide group: the hooves have dozen ungulates have since been speed when fleeing from predators. evolved several times domesticated, including the horse Because the limb joints of ungulates independently. Modern hoofed (Equus caballus), the pig (Sus and humans are in different relative mammals are classified either domesticus), the goat (Capra positions, the joints have specific as “odd- toed hircus), four cattle species (Bos names, detailed in ungulates” (order spp.), the water buffalo (Bubalus Figure 27.1 along with other Perissodactyla) like horses, bubalis), camels (family Camelidae), important ungulate anatomical rhinoceroses, and tapirs, or as and the reindeer (Rangifer features. The threat of predation “even- toed tarandus). With 4.5 billion domestic has also molded keen threat- ungulates” (artiodactyls) like ungulates (livestock) worldwide (FAO detecting senses; sensory emphasis pigs, peccaries, hippo- Database 2009, 2007 varies between species, but all potamuses, camels, and the figures), the experience with their ungulates have eyes on the sides of diverse ruminants (deer, husbandry is extensive. This their heads, providing an arc of cattle, antelopes, and giraffes, knowledge base is an important vision approaching 360 degrees. among others). Genetic resource for those caring for exotic evidence also includes whales ungulates. THE ZOO ENVIRONMENT and dolphins (formerly As a result of their cursorial Cetacea) within the even-toed This chapter will elaborate on the tendencies and relatively large body ungulate family tree (formerly challenges and techniques of size, zoos often exhibit hoof stock in Artiodactyla); combined working with ungulates in captivity. large outdoor enclosures (paddocks). ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXIX, Number 11 November 2014 5 Smaller yards and indoor housing are commonly the public side to prevent escape should an animal provided to facilitate animal management. Enclosure choose to swim or panic and jump into the water, and requirements vary greatly between ungulate species a sloped area is essential to provide an easy route and zoo locations, but several key considerations are back to the enclosure. By far the most popular hoof universal. stock barrier is wire fencing due to its availability, low cost, and ease of installation. Fences tend to SUBSTRATE “disappear” into land-scaping: a benefit for visitors, Local soil is the most common substrate in paddocks, but a potential hazard for hoof stock. Flexible since replacing large areas of ground is prohibitively fencing, like chain link, can stretch to absorb impacts expensive. However, rates of hoof growth are and thereby reduce the potential for injury; it is substrate-adapted: the coarser a species’ native generally preferable to rigid or ungiving fence substrate, the faster its hoof growth must be to materials. Keepers should check for containment compensate for wear. Ungulates adapted to rough weaknesses daily, as these may cause injury, permit terrain, like wild goats, are therefore prone to escape, or allow free- roaming predators and native overgrown hooves when kept on softer surfaces. species (which may bear disease) to enter the Hoof wear can be increased by adding abrasive enclosure. Barriers may be the target of open sheds, substrates like decomposed granite, limestone or enclosed barns. Group- housed ungulates screenings, or roughened concrete to high-traffic behaviors like sparring and ramming, so secondary exhibit areas, such as around feeders and along barriers like bumper rails can be employed to pathways. Holding yards are often covered minimize damage by keeping large, strong, or exclusively with rough substrates, in part because of belligerent ungulates back from the primary their relative stability in varying weather conditions. containment. Electric fencing (“hot wire”), which In all cases, the extent of this “hard- standing” delivers a shock on contact, is a common secondary should be determined on the basis of species’ biology, barrier choice due to its effectiveness and as ungulates with sensitive feet (e.g., hippos and unobtrusive appearance. The ease with which slender rhinos) may develop foot abrasions and injuries if hot wires are broken makes them generally confined on rough ground. Whatever the enclosure unsuitable for primary containment (especially for substrate, it should provide good traction and even large ungulates), while the low visibility increases the footing. Proper drainage is necessary to prevent chances of entanglement during panicked flight. The erosion ruts and areas of deep mud: these uneven risk of collision with barriers is highest when surfaces can cause injuries to the long, slender legs hoofstock are introduced to unfamiliar enclosures. of hoofstock. In cold climates, ice may form in poorly Burlap, shade cloth, and other materials are drained areas; similar slippery areas may form with commonly attached to fences during initial intro- compacted snow, and clearing ductions to give them a solid appearance and reduce fresh snow from frequently-used areas should be a visual distractions from beyond. Electric fences are priority. Traction over slip hazards can be provided usually “flagged” by tying strips of cloth or plastic spreading sand, but rock salt and other potentially (e.g., caution tape) at regular intervals; for naive caustic or poisonous ice melters should be avoided. animals, the stress of initially encountering hot wire During spring thaws or after prolonged rain, even in a new exhibit can be reduced by exposing them to well-drained substrates may become waterlogged. If sections of flagged fencing in a familiar environment. this occurs, hoof stock should be held in barns or Further introductory precautions, such as reducing yards until the ground is dry and firm. Soft terrain is water depth in wet moats and pools, are covered in readily mired by hooves, creating potentially danger- detail by Kranz (1996). As the new animals become ous uneven surfaces when dry; uneven ground can established, hazard warnings can be gradually be smoothed with rakes or harrows, but prevention is removed until the exhibit returns to its normal preferable. appearance. CONTAINMENT REFUGE Ungulates may jump over, crawl under, climb Flight responses, as well as stress and conflct among through, or dig beneath obstacles (Fitzwater 1972, group members, can be reduced by providing hoof 52), so it is vital to research physical adaptations and stock with options for privacy. Refuges for smaller behavioral repertoires when choosing barriers. individuals (called creeps) can be created using Visually solid barriers like walls and stockades are secondary barriers that exclude larger animals. “understood” by hoof stock; even fabric walls can be Visual barriers like plantings, exhibit furniture, and effective short-term barriers. Enclosure boundaries rolling terrain allow animals to retreat from their that can be seen through carry the risk of collision- exhibit mates, keepers, and the public, thereby related trauma, so injury- reducing features should imparting a sense of security. Man-made visual be employed whenever possible. Dry moats should barriers include wooden lean-tos, stacked straw slope gently downwards to solid walls; steep drops