Average Individuals
Specific dietary requirements (fat, protein, vitamins and minerals) are not known for many exotic species, especially those which are endangered (11). The amount of feed provided should be regulated with the aim of providing a constant intake of digestible energy. Dietary energy concentration will affect voluntary feed intake. Feed intake correlates with the level of energy provided in the diet however the animal should meet both energetic and nutritional requirements at the same time. In non-ruminants blood gluose is the main regulator of feed intake (18). Voluntary feed intake will also vary between individuals, according to gender, life stage, health state, etc. The following diet has been formulated using values for a mature male of average weight and medium activity levels, however energy requirements for females of different activity levels have also been included underneath to allow the adaption of the diet in order to suit other individuals.
Requirements for growing individuals will also increase in comparison to those of maintenance. It is recommended that they receive appropriate concentrations of vitamin D, Calcium, and phosphorus to promote healthy bone formation and development. Primate milk has not been found to contain sufficient concentrations of vitamin D, which aids the absorption of calcium (11). |
Voluntary feed intake will vary according to the state of the individual. Special
consideration should be taken for pregnant or lactating females. Increased oestrogen levels can cause metabolic changes and reduce energy requirements therefore decreasing feed intake during late gestation. This could also be caused by a decreased stomach volume due to the growing foetus. On the contrary during peak lactation feed intake will significantly increase in order to support milk production (18).
During the second and third trimester the energy content should be increased by 300-350 Kcal-day-1 in order to accommodate increased metabolic requirements for foetal development (11).
These values should be used to adjust nutritional requirements for individuals of changing states, in combination with regular weight checks. Lactating females must receive sufficient vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus for milk production and body maintenance, this is normally achieved via the use of primate biscuits with the appropriate vitamin and mineral concentrations. In the case that weight increases during the gestation period then those energy reserves should be used to meet increased energy needs during lactation (11). Juveniles
Orangutans will remain juveniles until the age of 7 or 9. The formulation of their diet should be based on an average weight of 25Kg (19). |