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

ABSTRACT: 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 (n = 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

SUBMITTER: Dierenfeld ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7222762 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature