Abstract
Quantifying circulating nutrient concentrations in sera of free-ranging subjects will help to establish a basis from which we can evaluate the nutritional status and needs of the captive population. We collected serum samples from 26 free-ranging black-and-gold howlers (Alouatta caraya) in San Cayetano forest in northern Argentina. We analyzed them for concentrations of lipoproteins; amino acids; vitamins A, D, and E; carotenoids; and minerals. There are a few significant differences between sexes in concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, certain amino acids, vitamin E, lutein + zeaxanthin, and copper. Most nutritional parameters are similar to the ones measured in free-ranging Mexican mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata mexicana) and in captive New World primates (NWPs). Carotenoid, vitamin D, and phosphorus concentrations are the exceptions. Carotenoid concentrations are higher in free-ranging Alouatta caraya than reported for other free-ranging and captive species. Vitamin D concentrations are 14 times greater in the free-ranging black-and-gold howlers than in captive NWPs. Phosphorus concentrations are also higher than expected and higher than typically occur in captive primates, leading to a 1:1.6 calcium:phosphorus ratio. Because we based our study on a small number of free-ranging howlers, additional samples from different regions and throughout the year would better define desirable nutritional parameters for captive howlers.
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Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the help of all fieldworkers: Luciana Oklander, Silvana Peker, Vanina Fernandez, Nelson Novo, Alicia Delgado, Miguel Blanco, Ramon Romero, and Angel Martinez. We also thank the 3 veterinarians from the Universidad del Nordeste who helped us during the capture: Javier Comolli, Diego O. Cayo and Gladys R. Obregon. We thank the Estación Biológica Corrientes (MACN) for logistic support during our stay at the study site. We thank Jeffrey Mathieu at Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory for performing the 25(OH)D assays and Kerri Slifka at Brookfield Zoo for help locating the unpublished information from the Nutritional Status Databank. We also thank Marianne Rider at Loyola Medical Center, Dr. Robyn Barbiers at Lincoln Park Zoo, and Dr. Paul Garber at University of Illinois- Urbana/Champaign, for their input and assistance with this project. The authors thank the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation for financially supporting this research.
We fondly remember Sue Crissey, PhD and the passion with which she pursued her career in exotic animal nutrition. The contributions she made to this field were vast and she has inspired us all to continue working to improve the health of captive, exotic animals.
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Schmidt, D.A., Kowalewski, M.M., Ellersieck, M.R. et al. Serum Nutritional Profiles of Free-Ranging Alouatta Caraya in Northern Argentina: Lipoproteins; Amino Acids; Vitamins A, D, and E; Carotenoids; and Minerals. Int J Primatol 28, 1093–1107 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-007-9200-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-007-9200-2