title: Hand-rearing wild caribou calves for studies of nutritional ecology.
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.affiliation: Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia V2N 4Z9, Canada. parker@unbc.ca
authors.forename: Katherine L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Perry S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Barboza
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000413:Alaska; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D012053:Reindeer / Q000502:physiology*