Study

Taurine deficiency in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) maintained on two diets manufactured for prevention of cystine urolithiasis

  • Published source details Childs‐Sanford S.E. & Angel C.R. (2006) Taurine deficiency in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) maintained on two diets manufactured for prevention of cystine urolithiasis. Zoo Biology, 25, 87-100.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Carnivores: Supplement meat-based diet with amino acids

Action Link
Management of Captive Animals

Carnivores: Feed a plant-derived protein diet

Action Link
Management of Captive Animals
  1. Carnivores: Supplement meat-based diet with amino acids

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 2001 of maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus in a research centre in the USA, found that supplementing a protein-based diet with taurine increased the average plasma taurine levels. When fed a supplemented animal-based protein diet, average plasma taurine was higher (91.18 nmol/ml), and within target domestic canine reference ranges, compared to no supplement (animal-based protein: 18.79 nmol/ml; plant-based mean: 4.03 nmol/ml). Four wolves were maintained on the commercial diet (animal-based protein) and two were maintained on an experimental diet (plant-based protein). Four weeks prior and at the end of the trial, animals were restrained and sedated to collect a 12 ml blood sample. Due to clinical signs including weight loss and decreased appetite, the diet trial was terminated early and taurine supplementation (0.3% concentration) was deemed necessary. Taurine concentrations were monitored over a four-month period.

  2. Carnivores: Feed a plant-derived protein diet

       A replicated, controlled study in 2001 of maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus in a research centre in the USA, found that when fed a plant-derived protein diet, plasma taurine levels were lower compared to a supplemented animal-protein based diet. When fed a plant-derived protein diet or animal-based protein diet (4.03 nmol/ml), average plasma taurine was lower compared with a supplemented animal-based protein diet (66.68 nmol/ml). The plant-derived protein diet was not within target domestic canine reference ranges (60–120 nmol/ml). Deficient concentrations of plasma taurine levels responded within four months of supplementation. In the original experiment, four wolves were maintained on the commercial diet (animal-based protein) and two were maintained on an experimental diet (plant-derived protein). Four weeks prior and at the end of the diet trial, animals were restrained and sedated to collect a 12 ml blood sample. Due to clinical signs including weight loss and decreased appetite, the trial was terminated early and taurine supplementation (0.3% concentration) was deemed necessary. Taurine concentrations were monitored over a four-month period.

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