Digestive physiology, microbial ecology and nutritional requirement of asian elephants Chharang Dharmendra1,*, Choudhary Sheela2, Karnani Monika3, Manju3 Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and ResearchRajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Jaipur - 302031 (Rajasthan) 1Doctorate Scholar Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and ResearchRajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Jaipur - 302031 (Rajasthan) 2Professor Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and ResearchRajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Jaipur - 302031 (Rajasthan) 3Assistant Professor, Department of Animal NutritionPost Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and ResearchRajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Jaipur - 302031 (Rajasthan) *Corresponding author. E-mail: dchharang@gmail.com
Online Published on 20 April, 2022. Abstract Improved animal wellbeing and performance has always remained a primary objective of wildlife nutrition to conserve the endangered species of elephant. The horse is considered as model animal for calculating nutrient requirements and designing diets for elephants. Fermentative metabolisms have been supposed to play a vital role in utilizing the foliage-based diet of inferior quality for herbivores, as elephants have an exclusive and flexible microbiome that meets their high energy requirement and allows them to digest wide range of plant-based biopolymers. The digestive system of elephant is adapted to its sustained feeding habit, it may be due to reduced efficiency and lesser time spent in digestive tract. Chronic nutritional imbalances weaken the immune system and predispose it to many pathogens. Therefore, it becomes essential to furnish all required nutrients in diet of elephants in appropriate quantities. Top Keywords Elephant, Nutrition, Physiology, Requirement. Top |