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Mineral absorption in tapirs (Tapirus spp.) as compared to the domestic horse.
Abstract: To test whether mineral recommendations for horses are likely to guarantee adequate mineral provision for tapirs (Tapirus spp.), we investigated the apparent absorption (aA) of macro and micro-minerals in 18 tapirs from five zoological institutions in a total of 24 feeding trials with total faecal collection. Samples of feeds and faeces were analysed for Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu and Zn. The resulting aA coefficients and the linear relationships of apparently absorbable dietary mineral content to total dietary mineral content (per 100 g dry matter) were compared with data for domestic horses. While there were no apparent differences in the absorption patterns for P, K, Na, Fe, Cu or Zn, the absorption of both Ca and Mg was distinctively higher in tapirs than in horses. Tapirs are browsers that are adapted to a diet of higher Ca content and higher Ca:P ratio than equids, and high absorptive efficiency for Ca might have evolved to ensure that high dietary Ca concentrations do not lead to the binding of dietary P in the intestine, making it unavailable for hindgut microbes. Similar to other hindgut fermenters, in tapirs, absorption coefficients for Ca increased with dietary Ca:P ratio, and urinary Ca:creatinine ratios increased with dietary Ca. Several zoo diets used were deficient in one or more minerals. When compared with faeces of free-ranging animals, faeces of zoo animals had higher concentrations of most minerals, probably indicating a lesser diluting effect of indigestible fibre in zoo animals.
Publication Date: 2009-01-13 PubMed ID: 19175463DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2008.00865.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research aimed to understand whether the mineral recommendations made for horses also met the nutritional needs of tapirs. Comparing absorption of both macro and micro-minerals across tapirs and horses, the researchers found that while absorption patterns for phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, and zinc were similar in both species, calcium and magnesium absorption was distinctly higher in tapirs.
Objectives and Methodology
- The main purpose of this research was to verify if the mineral requirements for horses would also be sufficient for tapirs. This was assessed by investigating the apparent absorption (aA) of different macro and micro-minerals in tapirs and comparing them with that of domestic horses.
- The study used 18 tapirs from five different zoological institutions for a total of 24 feeding trials. The experiment used total faecal collection to analyze the absorption efficacy.
- Feed samples as well as feces were analysed for various minerals such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn).
Key Findings
- The researchers found no apparent differences in the absorption patterns for minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, or zinc between tapirs and horses.
- However, the absorption rates for calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in tapirs than in horses. Tapirs are browsing animals adapted to a diet high in calcium content and a high calcium to phosphorus ratio, which could explain their high absorption efficiency for calcium.
- The researchers hypothesize that this high-absorptive efficiency for calcium in tapirs might have evolved to ensure that high dietary calcium concentrations do not bind dietary phosphorus in the intestine, thereby leaving it available for hindgut microbes.
Implications
- The results revealed that a few zoo diets were deficient in one or more minerals, reflecting a gap in the nutritional provisions for zoo animals.
- The concentrations of most minerals in the faeces of zoo animals were higher when compared with those of free-ranging animals. This suggests a lesser dilution effect of indigestible fibre in zoo animals and highlights the need for revising dietary plans for zoo animals, especially tapirs.
This study can help in formulating better dietary recommendations for tapirs in captivity, ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition.
Cite This Article
APA
Clauss M, Lang-Deuerling S, Kienzle E, Medici EP, Hummel J.
(2009).
Mineral absorption in tapirs (Tapirus spp.) as compared to the domestic horse.
J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 93(6), 768-776.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2008.00865.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. mclauss@vetclinics.uzh.ch
MeSH Terms
- Animal Feed
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Animals
- Animals, Zoo
- Diet / veterinary
- Female
- Intestinal Absorption / physiology
- Male
- Minerals / metabolism
- Perissodactyla / metabolism
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Hohl CJM, Codron D, Kaiser TM, Martin LF, Müller DWH, Hatt JM, Clauss M. Chewing, dental morphology and wear in tapirs (Tapirus spp.) and a comparison of free-ranging and captive specimens. PLoS One 2020;15(6):e0234826.
- Maier I, Kienzle E. A Meta-Analysis on Quantitative Sodium, Potassium and Chloride Metabolism in Horses and Ponies. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 13;15(2).
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