Nutritional composition of the diet of Alouatta palliata mexicana females in different reproductive states

✍ Scribed by Juan Carlos Serio-Silva; Laura Teresa Hernández-Salazar; Victor Rico-Gray

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 44 KB
• Volume: 18
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0733-3188
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1999)18:6<507::aid-zoo5>3.0.co;2-r

✦ Synopsis

Observational data on the feeding and behavior of a semi free-ranging troop of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana) were collected and analyzed to determine whether differences exist in the nutritional composition of the diet of females at different reproductive states. The reproductive states selected for study were non-gestation (control), gestation, and lactation. Mean ingestion was calculated in grams/day and in kilocalories for fats, proteins, and moisture, all considered key nutrients in these reproductive conditions. Results showed greater ingestion of fats and proteins by gestating and lactating females than by non-gestating females; however, no significant differences were found between gestating and lactating females. The mean ingestion figure in kilocalories for fats and proteins was similar to the figure reported in other studies. Finally, it is interesting to note that no differences were found in the moisture content of diet according to reproductive state. Zoo Biol 18:507-513, 1999.