Fat-soluble vitamin and mineral comparisons between zoo-based and free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus).
As part of a health investigation on koalas at San Diego Zoo, serum samples were analyzed from 18 free-ranging and 22 zoo-based koalas, Phascolarctos cinereus. Serum concentrations of calcium, chloride, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and 25(OH)D3 were quantified. Calcium, chloride, molybdenum, selenium, and vitamin E concentrations were significantly higher in zoo-based koalas than in free-ranging koalas, whereas magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc concentrations were significantly higher in the free-ranging koalas. No significant differences were found between genders. The results from this study will help to establish a starting point for determining target circulating nutrient concentrations in koalas.
San Diego Zoo Global, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551, USA. schmidt@stlzoo.org
Debra A
DA
Schmidt
San Diego Zoo Global, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551, USA.
Geoffrey W
GW
Pye
San Diego Zoo Global, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551, USA.
Chris C
CC
Hamlin-Andrus
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027-7000, USA.
William A
WA
Ellis
Fred B
FB
Bercovitch
University of Missouri, Experiment Station Statistics, 146 Middlebush Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Mark R
MR
Ellersieck
Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Tai C
TC
Chen
Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Michael F
MF
Holick
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D008903:Minerals / Q000097:blood*; D048368:Phascolarctidae / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D014815:Vitamins / Q000097:blood*
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins