Influence of work on nutrient utilisation in semicaptive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

Abstract

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the feed consumption, nutrient utilisation, blood biochemical and faecal microbial profile of working and nonworking semicaptive Asian elephant. During each trial, six captive elephants were placed in two groups of three each. Elephants in one group performed the scheduled work at the park, i.e., 4-h safari with tourists, while the other group performed no work. During nighttime, all the elephants were kept in respective individual enclosure so that feed consumption and faeces voided could be measured accurately. During day time, all the elephants were allowed to forage in nearby forest. Intake (kg/d) of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and sugarcane leaves was more (P < 0.01) in nonworking elephants as compared to working elephants. Working elephants consumed more (P < 0.01) forages during foraging than nonworking elephants. Average daily dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI (% body weight, BW) were comparable between the groups. Apparent digestibility (%) of DM, OM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), hemicellulose, cellulose and gross energy (GE) were higher (P < 0.01) in working than nonworking elephants. Activity of ALT (IU/l) was higher in working as compared to non-working elephants. The relative population of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens and total fungi were numerically increased in working elephants as compared to nonworking elephants. It was concluded that 4 h of work has no adverse impact on food consumption and blood metabolite profile of semicaptive Asian elephants; rather it improved the digestibility of nutrients. Work showed positive effect in restricting the calorie supply closer to requirement.