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A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
Published on: March 23, 2018
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Macronutrient composition of longitudinal milk samples from captive aardvarks (Orycteropus afer)
Elizabeth S Wenker1, Elizabeth A Himschoot1, Barbara Henry2
1Nutrition Laboratory, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.
Zoo Biology
|July 4, 2019
Summary
Aardvark milk is rich in fat and protein, with nutrient levels changing throughout lactation. This composition supports the rapid growth of aardvark calves in captivity.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Comparative Physiology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Captive breeding of aardvarks is successful, but milk composition beyond one month is unknown.
- Understanding aardvark milk is crucial for improving captive management and conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the macronutrient composition of aardvark milk throughout lactation.
- To compare aardvark milk composition with other relevant species.
Main Methods:
- Milk samples from two captive aardvarks (N=21) were analyzed for dry matter, fat, protein, sugar, ash, calcium, phosphorus, and energy.
- Calf body weight was monitored from birth to weaning.
- Aardvark milk composition was compared to Afrotherian and Xenarthra species.
Main Results:
- Aardvark milk averaged 12.3% protein, 13.6% fat, and 2.5% sugar, with energy derived mainly from fat and protein.
- Nutrient concentrations increased over lactation, except for sugar, which decreased.
- Calf growth was linear, reaching nearly 30% of adult weight at weaning.
Conclusions:
- Aardvark milk composition aligns with a high-protein diet, rapid growth, and nursing patterns.
- Aardvark milk is higher in fat and protein and lower in sugar than elephant milk.
- Aardvark milk shares similarities with insectivorous Xenarthra species' milk.
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