关键词: 黑麂, 体况评分, 粪便评分, 营养, 动物园

Abstract: Body condition and fecal analysis serve as crucial indicators for assessing the health status of an animal. In the present study, we investigated the health status and nutritional level of captive black muntjacs (Muntiacus crinifrons). Body condition and feces evaluations were conducted on three captive populations in Beijing, Hangzhou and Hefei, and the effects of dietary structure on body characteristics and feces morphology were analyzed. The results reveal no significant correlation between body condition scores (BCS) and the contents of crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein in the diet. Yet, a significant positive correlation emerged between BCS and age, suggesting that aging influences body condition. Further, BCS varied significantly among zoos. Under captive conditions, once the macronutrient requirements of black muntjacs were adequately met, their body condition scores demonstrated a correlation with the natural aging process. In addition, body condition scores were found to be associated with the specific captive environments and husbandry practices employed at the different zoos. As such, body condition scores in this species are impacted by a diverse array of influential factors. The fecal scores (FS) of black muntjacs primarily remained normal, but there was a borderline statistical significance among the three collections (P = 0. 054). The fecal scores were significantly positively correlated with dietary crude fat and crude fiber, and negatively correlated with the crude protein during winter, indicating that dietary composition affects fecal consistency. Gender also played a role, with females exhibiting lower FS and more frequent loose stools. On the other hand, there was no correlation between FS and age. The three zoos employed slightly different breeding methods and feed structures for the captive black muntjac populations, resulting in notable differences in the body condition and fecal status of the animals across these sites. Specifically, the body condition and fecal scores at Hefei Wildlife Park were found to be closest to the ideal levels, suggesting that the nutritional structure of the diet provided at this zoo was relatively balanced compared to the other two facilities. Recommendations for dietary adjustments include reducing the fatty components of feed at Beijing Zoo and increasing protein and minerals during summer. Hangzhou Zoo should focus on minimizing corn and other concentrated feeds, while boosting roughage and cellulose intake. In summary, the health and nutritional status of captive black muntjacs were quantified based on body condition and fecal analysis. The present study is expected to provide technical support for optimizing feed composition, establishing a health assessment and monitoring system for black muntjacs, and ultimately enhancing the overall animal welfare of this species under captive conditions. The findings offer new insights and valuable guidelines that can inform and direct conservation efforts for rare and endangered ungulate species, such as the black muntjac.

Key words: Black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons), Body condition scores, Fecal scores, Nutrition, Zoo