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The South China tiger is believed to be functionally extinct
in the wild. The captive population consists of 48 animals, all
in Chinese zoos. One problem with this species is that captive
tiger reproductive success is poor. Nutrition may be a contributing
factor, although many other variables may influence reproductive
output.
A nutrition workshop was held in 1999 at the Chongqing Zoo, Chongqing,
China. The objective was to review nutritional management of captive
South China tigers. The two-day nutrition immersion program intended
to reinforce the existing knowledge of veterinary and curatorial
staff concerning nutrition. Over 35 participants representing
16 Chinese zoos attended. While the sophistication and awareness
of zoo staff was exceptional, the review of feeding management
and nutrition was helpful in light of the dire plight of these
tigers.
Lectures and classroom discussions covered reproductive function
and the role of nutrition, review of previous evaluations of tiger
diets from four zoos, feeding practices in carnivores, hand rearing
tigers, and principles of nutrition.
Participants met at a kitchen area to see food preparation. Food
sanitation, refrigeration and meat handling were discussed. Diets
were prepared and weighed by participants. Dissection of rabbits
by participants emphasized the origin of various nutrients in
the vertebrate body. A discussion of stool consistency was held
outside the tiger cages. Most South China tigers have poorly formed
stool. Participants also observed one tiger receiving a meal of
slab meat with supplements which was consumed in minutes while
another tiger was given a freshly killed rabbit, which occupied
the cat's time for over one hour. This exercise was the focus
of much discussion.
A computer program, donated by Allen and Baer Associates, to
evaluate and formulate animal diets was shown and provided to
each participant. A variety of diets were analyzed with the computer.
The workshop concluded with a session in which the Chinese arrived
at short- and long-term plans for nutritional management of the
South China tiger. A discussion concerning oral health, prey,
bones and muscle meat-based diets was held. Participants agreed
that prey should be used to improve oral health as well as stimulate
more normal behavior. Two institutions agreed to develop standards
for evaluating fecal quality, while others agreed to conduct digestibility
trials to aid in formulating a standard diet. Participants agreed
to do more to improve communication among zoos with South China
tigers.
Most remarkable was the knowledge and insight of the veterinarians
and curators who attended. Instructor/student exchanges were stimulating.
Problem solving was an important objective facilitated by group
discussions. Attendees were clearly aware of the importance of
nutritional management of not only the South China tiger, but
of all animals in Chinese zoos.
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