Suspected malnutrition and rumen acidosis in a juvenile giraffe kept in zoological property

Abstract

In their natural habitat, giraffes are considered to be selective leaf eaters. However, due to European agricultural procedures, hay and haylage is commercially available and commonly fed to all kinds of ruminants. Compared to grass, leafs are characterized by their polygonal particle form and their reduced content of cellulose, and hemicellulose, as well as their higher pectin content. Subsequently, development of the rumen of the juvenile giraffe varies between wild, leaf fed giraffes, and captured, hay fed giraffes. Malnutrition of giraffes due to suboptimized leaf supply may result in rumen acidosis, loss of the dorsal rumen structure, peracute mortality syndrome, or stress-related malnutrition. Additionally, continuous feed intake is warranted. Captured giraffes commonly spent only few hours eating, which results in atrophy of rumen villi as well as untypical behavior patterns.