Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
38
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
mature weight is approximately 61 kg (134.48 lbs). A variation of 10 kg (22.05 lbs) is typical. Managed
female early ADG were more similar to the Oftedal/Gittleman prediction. Along with
body condition
scoring, these gains should be used as a guide when considering altering diets for growing parent and
hand reared animals.
Table 8: Jaguar segmental linear regression 3-part.
Males
Females
Intercept 1/Birth weight
1.102 kg (2.429 lb)
0.9316 kg (2.054 lb)
Slope 1/Average daily gain
55.26 g/day (1.95 oz/day)
83.70 g/day (2.95 oz/day)
Breakpoint 1
66 days
72 days
Slope 2/Average daily gain
105.8 g/day (3.73 oz/day)
138.7 g/day (4.89 oz/day)
Breakpoint 2
506 days
462 days
R-value
0.942
0.919
Figure 4: Growth curve for
ex situ male jaguars (AZA Jaguar SSP, 2015).
Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
39
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Figure 5: Growth curve for
ex situ female jaguars (AZA Jaguar SSP, 2015).
A subsample of the main growth period from 100
–
400
days was selected, and linear regressions
were run for all jaguar with at least 5 weights during this period (n=19 females, n=16 males). The rate of
growth of this subsample was used to describe the observed variation in growth rates for managed
jaguars.
For males, the median growth rate from was 151 g/day (5.33 oz/day), which is slightly higher than the
model generated. This is due to the odd distribution of the data (split) suggesting the possibility of 2
distinct populations. The inner quartile range was 117–159 g/day (4.13–5.61 oz/day). The
animals that
displayed a high growth rate appeared to drop in weight later on and were not outliers in the final weight.
This possibly suggests a period of being overweight. One of these animals showed catch-up growth
following a period of poor growth early on. The animals that displayed a low growth rate ended up being
either normal size or smaller.
For females, the median growth rate was 106 g/day (3.74 oz/day), similar to the model. The inner
quartile range was 74–115 g/day (2.61–4.06 oz/day). The high growth rate animals that displayed a high
growth rate appeared to drop in weight later on and were not outliers in final weight. This possibly
suggests a period of being overweight similar to the males, though extreme. These animals also showed
an increased growth rate early on. The animals that displayed a low growth rate ended up being the
smallest animals. Instead
of increasing, their growth rate appeared to slow around 6 months of age. They
were not reported as stunted, suggesting genetics may play a role.
Ex situ animals should be managed to
avoid periods of excessive gain and/or rapid catch-up growth to avoid metabolic disturbances.
Energy of Feeds: Several equations for estimating the energy content of typical cats feeds are available
(Clauss
et al., 2010; NRC, 2006), and numerous papers determining gross energy and digestible energy
are available as well (Barbiers
et al., 1982; Bennett
et al., 2010; Vester
et al., 2010). Care should be
taken
when making, comparing, or reporting estimates that the different terms for energy are used
appropriately (i.e. gross energy (GE) * digestibility = digestible energy (DE) * metabolic efficiency =
metabolizable energy (ME)). A review of literature on raw diets and whole prey as are generally offered to
managed jaguars supported the following Atwater equation for estimating ME in carnivores (Clauss
et al.,
2010): ME kcal/kg = 39.9*(%CP+%NFE) + 90.0*(%Fat), where %CP is the percent crude protein and
%NFE is the percent nitrogen free extract (which can be estimated as 100-CP-Fat-Fiber-Ash). The more
specific an estimation equation
is to the feed evaluated, the more accurate the estimate; therefore,
estimates based on a single property (e.g. protein or fiber) should be used with caution. Feed composition
Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
40
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
varies between products, manufacturers, and even manufacturing lots (Allen
et al., 1995), and regular
quality control of feeds and assessment of managed animals for changes in weight or condition are
recommended.
The nutrient content of food items consumed by jaguars has not been completely characterized. For
the limited number of nutrients studied, the domestic cat remains an appropriate model (Vester
et al.,
2010). The nutrient levels presented below have been recommended by the National Research
Council of
the National Academies for the domestic cat (Table 9). As in all species, nutrient requirements vary
depending on growth, activity, reproductive status, health status, environment, and group dynamics.
Table 9. Target nutrient levels for carnivores on a dry matter basis (NRC, 2006).
Nutrient
Growth
Maintenance
Gestation/Lactation
All
Protein, %
22.5
20.00
21.3-30.0
20.0-30.0
Fat, %
9.00
9.00
15.00
9.0-15.0
Linoleic acid, %
0.55
0.55
0.55
0.55
Vitamin A, IU/g
3.55
3.55
7.50
3.55-7.50
Vitamin D3, IU/g
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
Vitamin E, mg/kg
38.00
38.00
38.00
38.00
Vitamin K, mg/kg
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Thiamin, ppm
5.50
5.60
5.50
5.5-5.6
Riboflavin, ppm
4.25
4.25
4.25
4.25
Niacin, ppm
42.50
42.50
42.50
45.50
Vitamin B6, ppm
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.50
Folic acid, ppm
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.75
Biotin, ppm
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
Vitamin B12, ppm
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
Pantothenic acid, ppm
6.25
6.25
6.25
6.25
Choline, ppm
2550.00
2550.00
2550.00
2550.00
Calcium, %
0.80
0.29
1
1.08
0.29-1.08
1
Phosphorus, %
0.72
0.26
1
0.76
0.26-0.72
1
Magnesium, %
0.04
0.04
0.06
0.04-0.06
Potassium, %
0.40
0.52
0.52
0.40-0.52
Sodium, %
0.14
0.07
0.13
0.07-0.14
Iron, ppm
80.00
80.00
80.00
80.00
Zinc, ppm
75.00
75.00
60.00
60-75
Copper, ppm
8.40
5.00
8.80
5.0-8.8
Manganese, ppm
4.80
4.80
7.20
4.8-7.2
Iodine, ppm
2.20
2.20
2.20
2.20
Selenium, ppm
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
1
Data do not exist for large maintenance level exotic felids fed 0.3% calcium and phosphorus diets.
As obligate carnivores, jaguars have unique nutrient requirements compared to omnivores. These
differences are consistent with constant consumption of a high protein diet. Strict carnivores require
higher levels of most essential amino acids, taurine, preformed vitamin A, niacin, and
arachidonic acid
(NRC, 1986). Omnivores can meet these requirements with other nutrients or possess enzymes or
greater enzyme activity to up-regulate metabolic pathways to meet these requirements.
Nutrient
requirements are affected by physiological state and, for some animals, season/environmental affect.
Estimates for energy for growth and reproduction have been presented above in Table 9. Young, parent
reared jaguars may show interest in food at approximately 70 days. Diet adjustments should be
monitored assessing body condition and body weights to avoid large fluctuations that can be a result of
perceived needs. Many institutions feed 10–20% more food during the colder months.
6.2 Diets
The formulation, preparation, and delivery of all diets must be of a quality and quantity suitable to
meet the animal’s psychological and behavioral needs (AZA Accreditation Standard 2.6.2). Food should
be purchased from reliable, sustainable and well-managed sources. The nutritional analysis of the food
should be regularly tested and recorded.
Managed jaguars can be maintained on diets consisting of commercially available meat mixes, whole
prey, bones, carcasses, and muscle meat diets balanced with supplements. Some or all of these
ingredients fed in combination should meet the target nutrient ranges for domestic cats (Table 9 above).