Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants

Sach, Fiona; Dierenfeld, Ellen S; Langley-Evans, Simon C; Hamilton, Elliott; Lark, R Murray; Yon, Lisa; Watts, Michael J

Abstract

© 2020, The Author(s). The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) identify suitable bio-indicators to assess elemental status in elephants using captive elephant samples, and (2) understand how geochemistry influences mineral intake. Tail hair, toenail, faeces, plasma and urine were collected quarterly from 21 elephants at five UK zoos. All elephant food, soil from enclosure(s), and drinking water were also sampled. Elemental analysis was conducted on all samples, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, focusing on biologically functional minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn) and trace metals (As, Cd, Pb, U and V). Linear mixed modelling was used to identify how keeper-fed diet, water and soil were reflected in sample bio-indicators. No sample matrix reflected the status of all assessed elements. Toenail was the best bio-indicator of intake for the most elements reviewed in this study, with keeper-fed diet being the strongest predictor. Calcium status was reflected in faeces, (p 0.019, R2 between elephant within zoo - 0.608). In this study urine was of no value in determining mineral status here and plasma was of limited value. Results aimed to define the most suitable bio-indicators to assess captive animal health and encourage onward application to wildlife management.

Citation

Sach, F., Dierenfeld, E. S., Langley-Evans, S. C., Hamilton, E., Lark, R. M., Yon, L., & Watts, M. J. (2020). Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants. Scientific Reports, 10, Article 8032. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64780-0

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 22, 2020
• Online Publication Date: May 15, 2020
• Publication Date: May 15, 2020
• Deposit Date: Apr 24, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 15, 2020
• Journal: Scientific Reports
• Electronic ISSN: 2045-2322
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Article Number: 8032
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64780-0
• Keywords: Loxodonta africana; Elephas maximus; geochemistry; mineral status; bio- 31 indicators for health; nutrition 32
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4331559
• Publisher URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-64780-0
• Additional Information: Sach, F., Dierenfeld, E.S., Langley-Evans, S.C. et al. Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants. Sci Rep 10, 8032 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64780-0