Nutrition Considerations in Zoo Animal Husbandry

Understanding Zoo Animal Nutrition

How much of each nutrient is required for a healthful diet.

Animal Nutrition Considerations

Factors including ecological behavior, physiological parameters, GI anatomy, and nutritional composition.

Carnivores

Animals that eat other animals or animal parts.

Herbivores

Animals that eat plants and plant materials.

Omnivores

Animals that eat both plants and animals.

Heterodont

Teeth differentiated in form, function, and shape.

Homodont

Teeth similar in shape and function.

Edentulous

Lacking teeth.

Diastema

Naturally occurring gap between teeth of different function.

Incisor

Tooth type for cutting and securing food.

Canine

Tooth type for seizing and piercing prey.

Premolar

Deciduous and permanent cheek teeth.

Molar

Permanent cheek teeth only.

GI Tract Regions

Foregut, Midgut, and Hindgut are the regions of the GI tract.

Foregut

The portion of the GI tract from the mouth to the stomach entry.

Midgut

The portion of the GI tract from the stomach to the small intestine.

Hindgut

The portion of the GI tract including the cecum and colon to the rectum.

Ruminant

Herbivores with a complex multi-chambered stomach, capable of regurgitating food.

Foregut Fermenter

Animal whose fermentation occurs before or in the stomach.

Hindgut Fermenter

Animal whose fermentation occurs after the stomach.

Nutrient Requirements

Affected by physiological stages like growth, reproduction, and disease.

Metabolism

A series of chemical changes that take place in an animal to process nutrients.

Essential Nutrients

Chemical substances used as energy sources essential for life processes.

Proteins

Nutrients that initiate chemical reactions and help rebuild tissues.

Lipids

Nutrients that serve as carriers of fat-soluble vitamins and are involved in energy storage.

Carbohydrates

Major part of an animal's food supply and primary energy source.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Stored in fat and liver; includes A, D, E, K.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Enter the bloodstream; includes B vitamins and C.

Macrominerals

Minerals required in large amounts (e.g., calcium, phosphorus).

Microminerals

Minerals required in small amounts.

Water

Essential for transport, temperature regulation, and joint lubrication.

Potassium

Involved in osmotic balance within cells and acid balance.

Sodium

Contributes to cell membrane permeability and fluid balance.

Calcium

Essential for bone formation and nerve function.

Phosphorous

Necessary for bone formation and as a component of RNA and DNA.