Hand-rearing wild caribou calves for studies of nutritional ecology. Academic Article

abstract

• Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are considered difficult to hand-rear in captivity because they are sensitive to the composition and volume of formulated milks. We used a strict feeding schedule and a commercial milk formula designed specifically for caribou to bottle-feed neonates captured from five wild caribou herds in Alaska. Under a feeding protocol adjusted for age and mass, the growth rates and body mass of 26 hand-reared caribou calves to weaning were similar to those of three maternally nursed caribou. This protocol allows caretakers to hand-rear caribou that are as representative as possible of maternally raised neonates.

authors

• Barboza, Peregrine

published proceedings

• Zoo Biol

author list (cited authors)

• Parker, K. L., & Barboza, P. S.

citation count

• 7

complete list of authors

• Parker, Katherine L||Barboza, Perry S

publication date

• March 2013

publisher

• Wiley  Publisher

published in

• Zoo Biology  Journal

keywords

• Aging
• Alaska
• Animal Feed
• Animal Husbandry
• Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
• Animals
• Animals, Newborn
• Reindeer

PubMed Central ID

• 22968786

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• 10.1002/zoo.21046

start page

• 163

end page

• 171

volume

• 32

issue

• 2

URL

• http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21046