Role of Vitamin E And Selenium as an Anti-Stressant in Translocation of Captive Ungulates

Abstract

Wild ungulates especially in captivity face high stress in translocation that may cause even mortality. Chemical immobilization is employed to minimize stress by using sedatives. Vitamin E and Selenium may have impact on reducing stress. Objectives: To estimate the impact of Vitamin E and Selenium treatment in translocation of captive ungulates. Methods: The study was carried out while planned translocation of 40 ungulates from different zoological gardens of four districts of Punjab to Safari Zoo, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan was performed. The animals were divided into two equal groups i.e., A and B. Both groups were anesthetized with combination of Ketamine and Xylazine while Vitamin E and Selenium was also injected in group B after anesthesia. Blood samples were also drawn for hemato-chemical analysis in both groups. The necropsy of the dead animals was also done for internal organs and skeletal muscles examination. Results: In the group A, two chinkaras and two spotted deer were found dead at the time of release. The pale areas, hemorrhages and clotted blood were observed in necropsy. The values of Hemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count and Packed Cell Volume were moderately varied from the normal in both groups. The group A had greater lymphocyte count and lower neutrophils while in group B, lymphocyte count was lower, neutrophils were higher and Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), and cortisol levels were quite higher than normal. Conclusions: Vitamin E and Selenium has positive impact to reduce stress level in translocation of captive ungulates.