Shrikant B Katole
Anand Agricultural University
India
Title: Effect of moderate work on intake and serum profile of minerals in semi-captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) fed sugarcane based diet
Biography
Biography: Shrikant B Katole
Abstract
Research conducted earlier indicates that exercise influenced absorption and utilization of minerals in horses. As there are similarities between horses and elephant with regards to metabolism of minerals, it would be logical to assume that exercise will influence absorption and utilization of minerals in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) as well. Two feeding trials were conducted to study the effect of moderate work on intake and serum profile of minerals in semi-captive Asian elephants. Six elephants were divided into two groups. Animals in group I performed no exercise while those in group II performed 4 hour of moderate work. During both the trials, all elephants were fed a basal diet comprising of wheat-roti, sugarcane and tree leaves. Intake of sugarcane was higher (P<0.01) in group I while forage intake was higher (P<0.01) in group II. Serum concentration of Fe and Zn was higher (P<0.05) in group II. Apparent absorption of Ca, P, Fe and Cu was higher (P<05) in group II. It was concluded that 4 hours of touristic work is beneficial for semi-captive Asian elephants.