Literaturdatenbank
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Edwards, M. S. (1991). Dietary husbandry of large herbivorous reptiles: The giant tortoises of aldabra atoll (geochelone gigantea) and galapagos islands (g. elephantopus). Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 1991, 136–143.
Added by: Admin (06 Jan 2014 18:24:22 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: anon1991 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Chelonoidis nigra, Ernährung - nutrition, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Veterinärmedizin - veterinary medicine Creators: Edwards Collection: Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Geochelone nigra Aldabrachelys gigantea The giant tortoises are the largest extant herbivorous reptiles. These animals have evolved to feed on fibrous plant materials as have other hindgut fermenters such as the elephant, rhinoceros, or equids. To feed these animals differently than other herbivores would appear to be inappropriate. The reproductively-active populations of giant tortoises in North America are found in climatic areas which provide two major factors: year-round (or nearly year-round) outdoor access, and readily available sources of fresh forage materials such as browse and pasture. Continuous access to a forage such as legume or grass hay, or fresh grass seems appropriate. The nutritional inadequacies of the forage can be balanced by feeding a complete feed such as an alfalfa-based herbivore pellet. This complete feed can provide a proper ratio of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, eliminating the need for additional supplementation. Produce quantities should be limited, especially if larger quantities decrease the animals’ intakes of the more fibrous foods. Greens and coarse vegetables should be used in place of most fruits.
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