Trend Analysis with Multiple Management Variables on Gastrointestinal Health in Zoo-managed Moose (Alces alces)

Abstract submitted by Alexandria Armeni from the University of Minnesota

Alexandria A. Armeni1*, Rachel Thompson DVM, Dipl ECZM (ZHM)1,2, Diana Weinhardt3, Trista Fischer3, Snigdhansu B. Chatterjee PhD4

1The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Paul, MN 55108 USA; 2 Species360, Bloomington, MN 55425 USA; 3Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA;4The University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA

Abstract

Moose are recognized to be difficult to maintain under human care in zoos, mainly due to their particular digestive physiology and resulting feeding demands1. A syndrome classified as “complex wasting syndrome” has been described in literature as a gradual process in which damage to the intestinal tract accumulates until the body can no longer compensate for that damage. Common manifestations of this syndrome are poor fecal consistencies and chronic weight loss2. This study aimed to investigate the “complex wasting syndrome” by retrospectively evaluating trends in fecal scores as they compare to grain, browse and supplements fed, as well as temperature and housing parameters. To maintain consistency, data was entered into a template created in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System Care and Welfare module.  Following common themes in literature, we hypothesized that grain, browse, and temperature would have a significant impact on fecal consistency scores, which are an indicator of gastrointestinal health in captive moose. Preliminary trends from the data suggest that the most significant factors were alfalfa, woodchips and seasonal behavior trends. Grain and temperature appear to have no significant effect on fecal score. Due to nutritional challenges observed in moose under human care, projects like this are of key importance for moose welfare. The successful display of healthy moose depends on improving their husbandry in zoos. This project has the potential to target areas critical for improving moose management.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Minnesota Zoo, Species 360 and The University of Minnesota for their assistance in the collection and organization of the data for this project.

LITERATURE CITED 

1. Shochat, E., Robbins, C. T., Parish, S. M., Young, P. B., Stephenson, T. R., & Tamayo, A. (1997). Nutritional investigations and management of captive moose. Zoo Biology, 16(6), 479–494. 

2. Clauss, M., Kienzle, E., & Wiesner, H. (2002). Importance of the wasting syndrome complex in captive moose (Alces alces). Zoo Biology, 21(5), 499–506.

Experiences: Moose Research Center

Honorable Mention, Experiences Category
Jenna Winer, UC Davis

No running water. Limited electricity. Miserable mosquito bites. Trading in the bustle of city life for the rustle of wind in the silvery aspen leaves. Swapping palm trees for spruce, the comforts of home for the challenges of the wild, and human relatives for moose family members. During the summer of 2008, I was hired by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to bottle-raise calves at the Moose Research Center. I knew the work would be demanding and push me beyond my comfort zone, yet I could have never anticipated that this summer job would evolve into a life-altering and passion-confirming adventure. I not only survived but thrived in harsh field conditions, working twelve hours a day building fences, radio-tracking adult moose using telemetry, and tending to the needs of my calves.

 My three-month job was physically challenging as well as mentally and emotionally demanding. As a tragic bear attack left four of my calves dead, and an unforeseen copper deficiency killed six of the seven remaining mooselings, I realized my responsibilities would extend well beyond adorable animal husbandry. Despite my sorrow, I focused on the invaluable lessons the job offered. Unanticipated illness and death afforded me the opportunity to gain hands-on veterinary experience: administering copper deficiency treatments, drawing blood from the cephalic vein and analyzing hematology, and assisting with necropsies provided priceless lessons on the demands of the veterinary profession. Both the loss of calves and the complete recovery of “Minnie,” our sole survivor, yielded scientific knowledge that the Moose Research Center will expand upon through future studies.
    This experience was truly transformative. Directly contributing to the betterment of a species inspired me and strengthened my commitment to veterinary medicine more than I had previously thought possible. Not only did I gain a clearer vision of my vocational goals, but I also developed the discipline and maturity to help these goals materialize.  Since completing my first two years of veterinary school at UC Davis, I am committed to a future career in zoological medicine now more than ever.  I frequently think back to my Alaskan adventure, drawing on this experience for inspiration and motivation – not to mention fodder for some pretty awesome stories to swap with my fellow veterinary students!