Factors influencing weight fluctuation in giraffids

Bc. Kateřina Gašparová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Giraffe and okapi are taxonomically related African browsers belonging to family Giraffidae. They share some common features but also have several dissimilarities. The keeping of okapi is more challenging than the keeping of giraffe, but manipulation of okapi is easier, and their weighing is part of the daily routine at many facilities. However, the data on weight is rarely published. This study aimed to describe growth pattern of okapi calves, weight changes during pregnancy of okapi, mean body weight of adult okapi males and females and fluctuation in body weight influenced by changing season, husbandry, social composition and stress. Results for okapi were compared with results for giraffe and weight fluctuation in giraffe herd caused by changes in diet, husbandry and social structure was also analysed. Okapi data was collected from 3 males and 2 females kept in Dvůr Králové Zoo from August 2004 until May 2017. Each weight record included information about age, sex, season and social situation. Giraffe data are from Prague Zoo from September 2009 until December 2013. Data of seven adult individuals was analysed. Every weight record included additional information about changes in husbandry, diet or social composition.Results confirmed that unlike giraffe, okapi females are heavier than males. There was no significant difference in body weight between new born males and females, but males tended to be heavier till the age of 2.5 years. According growth curve it seems that at the age of 2.5 years female continues in growth when male stopped. It seems that adult okapis are significantly affected by changing season as well as by social structure. As a solitary living species, they may lose weight in company of another animal. It is suggested that they are sensitive to stress and changes in their enclosure. Significant weight was lost during roof reconstruction undertaken during the study period. In giraffes, only social factors and improved diet significantly influenced weight fluctuation in giraffe herd.Despite a limited data set, these results provide an overview of the growth pattern of okapi and factors influencing weight fluctuation in okapi as well as giraffe. This knowledge can be a useful tool for husbandry.

Keywords

Giraffe, Okapi, giraffids, weight, fluctuation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 25. 4. 2018

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Karolína Brandlová, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / field:
Tropical Agriculture / Wildlife Management in the Tropics and Subtropics