research studies

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Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.

Our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.

Study

D05ZO-616: Comparative Study of Tannin Concentration of Browse, Fecal Parasites and Fecal Steroid Content of Captive and Wild Black Rhinoceros

principal investigator: Lucy James, student, Royal Veterinary College

Project Mentor: Mark T. Fox, BVetMed, PhD, ILTM, MRCVS

completed

Year: 1 of 1. $0

The Black rhinoceros is critically endangered and has been found to not breed well in captivity. This project aimed to investigate areas of this animal's diet, internal parasites, and stresses in different environments. The investigator studied one zoo population and four wild populations (Kenya). She found that cortisol levels, an indicator of stress, were significantly higher in captive populations, particularly females, which may be adversely affecting reproduction. Regarding parasites in the samples, the investigator did not find a significant difference in the parasites identified at the different non-captive locations suggesting translocated animal placement should not be affected. Finally, this scientist was looking at tannin (a compound that occurs in plants) concentration in the diet. She found that the this animal does not seek forage with high levels of condensed tannin (CT).

Lucy says, "This project has enhanced my desire to become further involved in conservation related research in the futureâ€¦"