 Reference Base  Behavioural and medical aspects relating to husbandry of ... |
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Houwald, F.F. von, 1998. Behavioural and medical aspects relating to husbandry of the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in zoological collections. EEP Research Group Newsletter 5: 24-25
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| Location: |
Captive |
| Subject: |
Diseases |
| Species: |
Indian Rhino |
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The situation in the captive population also looks promising, despite a few facts which hinder a successful breeding and neonatal survival rate in zoological collection. The reasons are not entirely known why some zoological collections are successful in breeding this species and others not. The same can be said for a relatively high neonatal mortality rate.
A recent study showed that the feet of Rhinoceros unicornis are often affected by chronic cracks in the sole. The reason why only this species is faced with this very distinct problem has not been entirely evaluated. But the investigation showed that the occurrence of this problem is quite high in the captive population, especially in the male population.
This project is intended in cooeration with the EEP co-ordinator for Rhinoceros unicornis and the zoos which keep this species. The main aim of this study is to investigate behavioural aspects and physiological criteria and to try to find answers to some problems which occur in zoological collections. The combination of biological and veterinarian aspects was thought of importance for this study as many behavioural changes - which can but must not become obvious - can lead to a change of physiological parameter and can cause health problems. In how far the environment, the food, the constitution or offer factors influence the well-being of this species in zoological collection are not known. In combining biology, and veterinarian science this study tries to find an approach to husbandry problems of rhinos.
The study will cover four main research points: Cinematic and motion studies of the rhinoceros body, with special regards to their constitution, the ground on which they walk and the way the animals use their feet (with regard to clinical and non-clinical changes). Behavioural studies, with regard to the use of the exhibition ground (and the type of exhibition) as well as the possible company, availability of a pond, etc.. Those animals which undergo a training will also be observed in how rhinos learn and in how these methods may be of use for husbandry procedures etc.. A thorough health check is attempted for each animal which will be part of this study. This will include physiological parameter such as heart rate, breathing frequency, as well as blood samples for the analysis of red and white blood cells and chemical compounds. The feet will be closely studied to check for signs of foot problems. The health status will be closely linked with no.1. Furthermore, it will be of interest to investigate whether or not there is a connection between behavioural changes and a change in physiological parameters. The last point will deal with methods to estimate the weight and the body condition score of these animals and to try to find a link between the weight - the health status - and the food obtained. An analysis of food, especially in comparison to the plants the animals feed on in the wild will also be attempted in order to see if the animals receive an adequate diet according to their age, behaviour, and breeding status.
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