title: Added dietary vegetables and fruits improved coat quality of capybara in Seoul Zoo, Republic of Korea: A case study.
abstract: Adequate levels of dietary vitamin C are necessary for capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrocharis) because they cannot synthesize the vitamin endogenously. Beginning in 2013, hair and weight loss, as well as general dermatitis, were observed in all individual capybaras (n = 4) in a mixed exhibit at Seoul Zoo. Seven additional vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits that increased dietary vitamin C concentration from ∼300-400 to >600 mg/kg dry matter were added to the diet since January 2015. Within 6 months, capybaras' skin and coats improved considerably, with hair becoming thicker and glossier. Animals visually appeared healthier and gained weight. In conclusion, hair loss, dermatitis, and weight loss in capybara can be improved by feeding enough fresh green leaves, vegetables, and fruits. Although vitamin C is considered a major factor for alleviation of poor body condition observed, increased status of other nutrients (i.e., vitamin B6) provided by the diet change may also have contributed to the improvements seen in the capybara. Zoo Biol. 36:50-55, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Republic of Korea.|Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyungeun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.affiliation: Ellen S. Dierenfeld, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Ellen S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Dierenfeld
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D005638:Fruit; D006197:Hair / Q000502:physiology*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012377:Rodentia / Q000502:physiology*; D014675:Vegetables
keywords: hair coat; hystricomorph rodents; nutrition; vitamin C requirement