[Result of a European-wide inquiry about the use of artificial UV radiation sources in zoo animal husbandry with special regard to the mammals (Primates/Simiae/monkeys)].
The geographical origin of many exotic animals are areas with intensive solar radiation. When brought into European zoological gardens, they might suffer under a deficiency of UV-radiation, especially in industrial areas with an high level of air pollution. 100 zoological gardens in middle and northern Europe were asked for information, whether artificial UV-sources are used in keeping animals or not; 57% answered: in 60% of the cases artificial UV-sources are used, in 40% not. The result of using artificial UV-sources in keeping reptiles will be published soon. This publication shows the use of artificial UV-sources for mammalians, with attention to Old World nonhuman primates and especially to New World nonhuman primates: this species cannot utilize vitamin D2 and so requires D3. Additionally to an adequate nutritional diet, the exposition is done whether as therapeutical treatment of metabolic bone diseases, or e.g. to rise the vitality and the fitness. The lamp type and the chosen exposure dates are very different; mostly chosen with one's own judgement. To assess the safe dose, having positive effects, i.g. the vitamin D-synthesis and avoiding any (skin-)damaging, the knowledge of many facts is requested: the comparison of the climatic conditions, albedo, the behaviour of the animals in sun, the conditions of keeping in zoo (cage/outdoor enclosure), influence on the appearance of the animals haircoat and skin (transmission rate for UV-radiation, pigmentation of skin a.o.) and the relation between dose and biological effect. Additionally the spectral distribution and the irradiance of artificial UV-sources has to be known. Further experimental work is necessary.
Hofmann-Parisot
M
M
Institut für Medizinische Physik, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien.
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000502:physiology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005060:Europe; D008029:Lighting / Q000009:adverse effects; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D011323:Primates / Q000502:physiology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
Ergebnis einer europaweiten Erhebung zum Einsatz künstlicher UV-Strahlungs-quellen in der Zootierhaltung mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Mammalia (Primates/Simiae-Affen).