Adult diet
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The recommendations in Table 1 are for an adult okapi weighing 284kg (average weight for an adult female (Huisman et al. 2008)) in good health and not pregnant or lactating. The ME (Metabolisable Energy) requirements in kJ (kilojoules) in this example have been made taking into consideration that the animal would be captive, not under the same pressures as a wild animal is (such as predation, and having to locate food), and therefore does not have the same high calorific needs. Therefore, these recommendations have been made assuming that the animal has a relatively low FMR, which has been calculated as 1.5 - 1.75 x BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).
In order for you to calculate the daily kJ intake for the adult okapi in your care, firstly you need the weight of the animals. Then input the animal's weight in place of 'W' below (the equation is commonly used to calculate BMR in mammals, from: Klieber 1947):
BMR = 70 x (W^0.75) x 4.184
Next, multiply the calculated BMR by 1.5 to 1.75 (as deemed appropriate for the animals in your care) to give the FMR (Field Metabolic Rate) and ME in kJ.
The diet described below provides, in keeping with the Okapi SSP Feeding Guidelines (found here):
Table 1. A suggested diet for a 284kg female okapi
In order for you to calculate the daily kJ intake for the adult okapi in your care, firstly you need the weight of the animals. Then input the animal's weight in place of 'W' below (the equation is commonly used to calculate BMR in mammals, from: Klieber 1947):
BMR = 70 x (W^0.75) x 4.184
Next, multiply the calculated BMR by 1.5 to 1.75 (as deemed appropriate for the animals in your care) to give the FMR (Field Metabolic Rate) and ME in kJ.
The diet described below provides, in keeping with the Okapi SSP Feeding Guidelines (found here):
- 26% pelleted food
- 74% lucerne hay and browse combined
- Slightly inside the recommended quantity of DM (Dry Matter) for an animal of this weight which should be consuming 1.8% of its body weight daily (5 kg). However, given that the FMR in this example has been calculated within a range (1.5 - 1.7 BMR), it is likely that the diet described below will be adequate.
Table 1. A suggested diet for a 284kg female okapi