International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
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Nutrient values vary between fish species <strong>and</strong> even within the same species depending on age,<br />
sex <strong>and</strong> season of capture (Crissey 1998). Merck (1986) states “Many fresh-water <strong>and</strong> saltwater<br />
fishes contain thiaminase, an enzyme that results in thiamine [vitamin B 1 ] deficiency in<br />
animals fed exclusively on a diet of such fish.” Lewis (1995) states, with regards to mustelids,<br />
“Diets high in polyunsaturated fat or fish may predispose vitamin E deficiency.” The process of<br />
fish storage (freezing), thawing, <strong>and</strong> preparation causes fish nutrient loss, particularly vitamins<br />
B 1 <strong>and</strong> E, <strong>and</strong> especially in fish with a high fat <strong>and</strong>/or high thiaminase content (Crissey 1998,<br />
Merck 1986). Fish types containing high thiaminase <strong>and</strong>/or high polyunsaturated fat levels<br />
should be avoided, as they can cause malnutrition, sickness <strong>and</strong> even death (Merck 1986).<br />
Vitamin supplements, most especially vitamin B 1 (thiamine), vitamin E, <strong>and</strong> a<br />
multivitamin, must be added when thawed frozen fish is the main diet. Vitamins should be<br />
fed separately from the main feedings by at least 2 hours, so proper vitamin utilization can<br />
occur, esp. vitamin B 1 (Merck 1986). Vitamins can be offered in the gills or throat of fish low<br />
in thiaminase (Merck 1986). (See under “Dietary Related Problems” in Chapter 1 Section 4A<br />
for more information on vitamin B1 <strong>and</strong> E deficiencies <strong>and</strong> the related health<br />
problems/symptoms.) Hagenbeck Tierpark (Hagenbeck & Wünnemann 1992) increases<br />
vitamin supplements during pregnancy <strong>and</strong> lactation <strong>and</strong> increases calcium during lactation.<br />
Lactating <strong>and</strong> pregnant otters will generally need an increased diet. Lactating giant otters have<br />
increased food intake from 2-3 kg/day to 6 kg/day (Hagenbeck & Wünnemann 1992).<br />
Complete dietary guidelines for the giant otter need to be developed. No conclusions have<br />
been drawn on the appropriateness or nutritional value of the foods or supplements<br />
offered at the 16 zoos that responded to the survey. The examples following are to serve<br />
only as an overview <strong>and</strong> not recommendations. Due to space limitations, only one<br />
institution’s vitamin regimen <strong>and</strong> some (mostly) principal diets will be given as examples. All<br />
institutions offer fish daily (thawed frozen fish, live fish, <strong>and</strong>/or freshly caught fish), as the main<br />
diet. (Four zoos did not specify fish type fed.)<br />
Chestnut Centre feeds live fresh water rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) as the principal diet.<br />
Duisburg Zoo feeds live fresh water rainbow trout almost daily <strong>and</strong> every second day freshly<br />
killed carp (Cyprinus carpio) is fed in addition. Cali Zoo feeds river fish (species not identified)<br />
<strong>and</strong> live Tilapia, <strong>and</strong> Brasilia Zoo feeds Tilapia as the main diet. Hagenbeck Tierpark fed<br />
thawed frozen redeye (Rutilus rutilis) <strong>and</strong> common bream/brachsen (Abramis brama) for the<br />
principal diet, <strong>and</strong> herring (Clupea harengus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus) <strong>and</strong> live water<br />
rainbow trout for variety. Dortmund Zoo feeds live rainbow trout, thawed frozen felchen<br />
(Coregonus albula), redeye <strong>and</strong> common bream/brachsen as the principal fish. Herring <strong>and</strong><br />
mackerel are fed to administer vitamins <strong>and</strong> small amounts are fed during husb<strong>and</strong>ry training<br />
sessions. Philadelphia Zoo gives one 100 mg vitamin B 1 tablet <strong>and</strong> one 400 IU vitamin E geltab<br />
per otter daily, <strong>and</strong> in addition 1 tablet of K-dec (multiple vitamin & mineral for adult humans)<br />
3 times/week per adult otter. Thawed frozen freshwater rainbow trout, their main diet, is fed 7<br />
days/week. Fresh water channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), herring <strong>and</strong> mackerel are offered<br />
occasionally for variety. Madrid Zoo (Spain) fed freshwater trout as the main diet <strong>and</strong> marine<br />
fish to supplement. Emperor Valley Zoo (Trinidad) offers Tilapia mosambica, Chicliasoma<br />
bimaculatum, Tarpon atlanticus, <strong>and</strong> Priacanthuus cruonthalus (etc.) as a principal diet. The<br />
Aquatic Mammal Research Center (Brazil) feeds Sardinha, Tucunare, Curimata [? Curimbata<br />
(Prochilodus lineatus) ?], Jappqui, Pipanha, Pacu, Mapapa, <strong>and</strong> Capa (Portuguese common<br />
names).<br />
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