Factors to Consider When Determining Diets for Pregnant and Lactating Bottlenose Dolphins.
Abstract
Pregnancy and lactation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) may require a re-evaluation and adjustment of its diet to ensure that the additional nutritional requirements of reproduction are met. Kcals, fat, protein, and calcium are some important factors to integrate into the development of a diet for an animal that is pregnant or lactating. Fish species that make up the diet of the bottlenose dolphin vary in nutritional content. Recent studies at our facility show the following calcium content (in mg/lOOg) of fish and squid: mackerel = 580 (S.D.=l07, n=lO), herring = 476 (S.D.=lOl, n=9), Columbia river smelt = 303 (s.D.=33, n=3), capelin =379, (S.D.= 84, n=5), silver smelt = 577 (S.D.=78, n=6), and squid = 20 (s.D.=2, n=2). Usually, nutrition studies involve depriving an organism vitamins or nutrients, and then examining the effect. This type of study is incompatible with marine animal training practices. Instead, we can assess nutrient requirements by collecting complete and accurate diet records on each of our animals, and infer nutrition requirements based on this healthy population. Because dietary requirements have been shown to vary in relation to species, age, and reproductive status, nutrition records should include these variables. Diets may also be related to other factors like water temperature, metabolic rate, and activity level, so these data should be recorded as well. As with any value, confidence levels increase as the sample size increases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA297455
Entities
People
- B. Van Boon
- M. Reddy
- S. Ridgway
Organizations
- Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center