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Grazing behaviour of the giraffe in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is usually described as an exclusive browser, feeding only on shrubs and trees, preferably between 2 and 5 m above ground (Lamprey, 1963; McNaughton & Georgiadis, 1986; Ciofolo & Le Pendu, 2002). Although browsing seems to be an easier form of feeding for giraffes in terms of accessibility and vigilance (Young & Isbell, 1991), a few studies mention that the giraffe also ‘very occasionally’ feeds on grass (Pienaar, 1963; Du Toit, 2005). To be able to

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Energy and Fibre Intake in a Group of Captive Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) Offered Increasing Amounts of Browse

We investigated the effect of diet on intake of energy and fibre in a group of three captive adult giraffe by weighing offered diet items and leftovers for 7 days after an adaptation period of 7 days. Digestion coefficients were calculated using, as internal marker, the acid detergent lignin content of a faecal sample pooled from subsamples taken during the last 5 days of intake measurement. Two lucerne hay-only diets of differing quality (L1, L2) were fed, as well as

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"All About Giraffes"

The information I presented highlighted the work of Giraffe Conservation Foundation in the field, especially focusing on the Niger giraffe project…as well as a range of current ex situ initiatives designed to provide a better understanding of giraffe biology. To try and cover all bases I attempt to ‘marry together’ the work being done in the wild world with that undertaken in captivity, thus giving my audience of around 50 zoo keepers, students and those with a general interest in

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A Comparison of Husbandry, Feed Intake and Cause of Death of Captive Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the United Kingdom

Giraffe are known to be subject to many behavioural abnormalities in captivity that are linked with inferior nutrition and a lack of stimulus to travel and browse (Baxter & Plowman, 2001). A combination of hay with compounded feeds does not adequately replicate the wild diet (Baxter & Plowman, 2001). As a consequence of a substandard diet, pathological changes can occur in the animal which may lead to ‘peracute mortality syndrome,’ particularly when combined with additional stresses (Fowler, 1977; Junge &

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Developments to the Nutrition of Captive Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

The correct feeding of captive giraffe appears to be particularly problematic and traditionally, they have been termed as one of the most difficult ruminants to cater for (nutritionally) in the zoo. Recent research has demonstrated that some of the prevailing arguments underpinning dietary formulation to be incorrect. The most notable of these being the apparent need for elevated dietary protein and the provisioning of easily digestible carbohydrates (starches and sugars) that are thought to mimic the chemical composition of wild

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Mortality of captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) associated with serious fat atrophy: A review of five of cases at Auckland Zoo

Five giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) died peracutely within an 8-yr period. The giraffe were maintained in an outside enclosure during the day and moved under shelter at night. All the deaths occurred in winter. All the dead giraffe had serous fat atrophy at postmortem. The giraffe were fed good quantities of browse, together with alfalfa hay and commercial supplements. Retrospective analysis of the dietary ingredients showed that the diets were energy deficient. Subsequent additional high-energy feeds have caused a marked increase

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New Thoughts on Peracute Mortality in Giraffe

Peracute mortality syndrome, or giraffe wasting disease, has been a leading cause of mortality in giraffe since the 1970s. It generally presents as acute death without premonitory signs. It is characterized by serous atrophy of adipose tissue and weight loss. Other lesions are non specific. Several articles have been published suggesting a potential nutritional component.

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Influence of Diet Transition on Serum Calcium and Phosphorous and Fatty Acids in Zoo Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

In response to new recommendations for feeding giraffe in zoos, giraffe (n = 6) were transitioned from a typical hoofstock diet to diets containing reduced starch, protein, Ca and P and added n3 fatty acids. This diet was fed as a 50:50 mix with alfalfa and grass hay. Over the next 4 years, serum Ca, P, and fatty acids were measured every 6 months (summer and winter). Serum Ca was not affected by season (P = 0.67) or by diet

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Tooth wear in captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis): Mesowear analysis classifies free-ranging specimens as browsers but captive ones as grazers

Captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) mostly do not attain the longevity possible for this species and frequently have problems associated with low energy intake and fat storage mobilization. Abnormal tooth wear has been among the causes suggested as an underlying problem. This study utilizes a tooth wear scoring method (“mesowear”) primarily used in paleobiology. This scoring method was applied to museum specimens of free-ranging ( n=20) and captive (n=41) giraffes. The scoring system allows for the differentiation between attrition- (typical for

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Food Selection by Transvaal lowveld giraffe as determined by analysis of stomach contents

Food selection by giraffe in the Transvaal lowveld was studied by identifying plant fragments from stomach contents over a 1 year period. Large fragments were randomly taken from the material while small fragments were taken from a 50 ml sample. Identifications were based on diagnostic keys and over 8000 fragments were classified. The validity of the samples was tested and found to be satisfactory. Giraffe were found to subsist mainly on leaves of trees and shrubs. Fruit, flowers and twigs

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