title: Dry matter and calcium digestibility in captive veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus).
abstract: Although metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a very common disease in reptiles kept as pets, empirical data on the calcium (Ca) metabolism of reptiles are still scarce. We used the opportunity of a large-scale experimental study on growth and clinical manifestations of MBD in captive veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) to measure the apparent dry matter (DM) and Ca digestibility in 19 animals (6-49 g), receiving locust nymphs (Locusta migratoria) of two size classes (0.05 and 0.5 g) with or without supplementation of Ca, vitamin A and cholecalciferol (Group A: Ca 0.04-0.09%DM; Group B: Ca 0.47-0.84%DM). Dry matter digestibility was significantly lower for animals receiving smaller-sized prey. A regression analysis of dietary Ca vs. digestible Ca content revealed a complete 'true' digestibility of Ca for the range of investigated diets, which might indicate that requirements for this mineral were not yet exceeded by the diets used (so that a reduction in Ca absorption would be induced). Options of higher dietary Ca provision, and reactions of chameleons to such diets, should be further investigated.
authors.affiliation: Zoo Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoby
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clauss
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aebischer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wenker
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Robert
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liesegang
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology*; D008116:Lizards / Q000378:metabolism*; D048188:Locusta migratoria; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D002118:Calcium