Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on (Ullrey et al 1997)
• All collections MUST undertake regular analysis of hays for dry matter,
crude protein, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, lignin,
calcium, and phosphorus in a laboratory with demonstrated expertise.
• Elephant diets should be based on a grass hay of known composition.
• Using published recommendations, any supplemental sources of
energy, protein, minerals, vitamins or fatty acids required should be
calculated and extra feeds added to the diet accordingly.
• Consideration should be given to the regular measurement of
circulating α-tocopherol levels to ensure that elephants are obtaining
adequate dietary vitamin E.
• Elephants should have daily outdoor exercise to ensure adequate
synthesis of vitamin D3, which is essential for promoting the absorption
and utilization of calcium and phosphorus.
• Water and grass hay with an ADF of >30% should be provided ad
libitum.
• All dietary changes should be made gradually (over 1-2 weeks) to avoid
digestive upsets.
• Elephants should be regularly weighed (or measured) and the diets
altered accordingly to avoid weight loss or obesity.
• No changes to the diet should be made without consultation with the
nutritionist and veterinarian.
3.4.3 Hand Rearing
Information on hand rearing has been extracted from a report by Colleen
Kinzley and Karen Emanuelson of Oakland Zoo, which was compiled from
the Elephant Hand Raising Notebook (Kinzley 1997). Milk samples have been
analysed (Mainka et al 1994) and data on composition suggests that diluted
whole cow’s milk (1:1) with supplemental vitamin C fed at intervals of 2 to 3
hours, totalling 4-5 litres per day (Dierenfeld 1994). At the end of the first
month undiluted milk with added saturated fat should be used. Bovine
bottles and nipples are suitable. Grober Company located in Cambridge,
Ontario produces the most commonly used elephant milk replacer in North
America and full instructions are provided with this. Colostrum replacers
have also been given in the first week. It is also recommended that a plan to
reintroduce the calf to the dam should be drawn up. There are instances of
successful reintroduction after a period of up to 10 days. In some cases the
dam can be milked, enabling the calf to receive some colostrum and milk.
Ideally elephant milk replacer should be used (Reitkerk et al 1993).
To summarise it is recommended that for handrearing Grober’s milk
replacement is used. Two versions of Elephant Gro are available, one
formulated for African and one for Asian Elephants (www.grober.com).
Colostrum should be given, ideally that milked from the dam. If this is not
possible artificial or cow colostrums can be used or elephant plasma
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