Milk Composition of Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus ) in a Natural Environment in Myanmar during Late Lactation

Milk Composition of Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus ) in a Natural Environment in Myanmar during Late Lactation

The nutritional content of milk from free-living Asian elephants has not previously been reported, despite being vital for better management of captive populations. This study analyzed both milk composition and consumed plant species of Asian elephants managed in their natural environment in Myanmar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Animals (Basel) Vol. 10; no. 4; p. 725
Main Authors: Dierenfeld, Ellen S, Han, Yadana A M, Mar, Khyne U, Aung, Aung, Soe, Aung Thura, Lummaa, Virpi, Lahdenperä, Mirkka
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01-04-2020
MDPI
Subjects:
Age
Animal lactation
Camps
Chemical properties
Composition
Diet
Dry season
elephant
Elephants
Endangered & extinct species
Females
Hydration
Investigations
Lactation
Milk
milk composition
Milk production
Mortality
Mothers
nutrition
Nutrition research
pachyderm
Physiological aspects
Population
Population studies
Proboscidea
Proteins
Rainy season
Vitamin E
Weaning
Myanmar
Myanmar (Burma)
nutrition
pachyderm
elephant
lactation
milk composition
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Summary:The nutritional content of milk from free-living Asian elephants has not previously been reported, despite being vital for better management of captive populations. This study analyzed both milk composition and consumed plant species of Asian elephants managed in their natural environment in Myanmar. Longitudinal samples ( = 36) were obtained during both the wet and the dry season from six mature females in mid to late lactation in 2016 and 2017. Milk composition averaged 82.44% water, with 17.56% total solids containing 5.23% protein, 15.10% fat, 0.87% ash, and 0.18 µg/mL vitamin E. Solids and protein increased with lactation month. Total protein in milk was higher during the wet vs. the dry season. Observed factors linked with maternal (age, parity, size and origin) and calf traits (sex) had significant associations with milk nutrient levels. Primary forages consumed contained moderate protein and fiber. Higher dietary protein during the wet season (11-25%) compared to the dry season (6-19%) may be linked with increased milk protein observed. Our results call for further field studies of milk and diet composition, over entire seasons/lactation periods, and across maternal and calf traits, to improve feeding management, with an overall goal of maximized health and survival.
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ISSN:2076-2615
2076-2615
DOI:10.3390/ani10040725