COMPARING GROWTH-RATES OF DAM-RAISED AND HAND-RAISED BIGHORN SHEEP, PRONGHORN, AND ELK NEONATES

An efficient feeding protocol is an essential aspect of hand raising wild ungulates for use in research, zoological parks, or for reintroduction to the wild. To develop a practical feeding protocol for hand raising wild ungulate neonates, we tested an evaporated milk diet fed ad libitum to 36 neonates representing bighorn sheep (Ovis canadenisis), pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), and elk (Cervus elaphus). Fifteen others were dam raised in captivity. Theoretical formulas approximated ad libitum milk energy intake by elk and bighorn sheep (min. P greater-than-or-equal-to 0.064 and and 0.345, respectively) during weeks 1-4 in all but 1 case; however, confidence intervals for differences between means were wide. Formulas overestimated (max. P less-than-or-equal-to 0.011) intake by pronghorn during weeks 1, 3, and 4. Neonates of all 3 species exhibited linear growth. Growth rates did not differ between hand- and dam-raised bighorn sheep or pronghorn (P = 0.367 and 0.634, respectively); however, confidence intervals for differences between means were wide. Growth rates of hand-raised elk were lower (P = 0.005) than those of dam-raised elk. Evaporated milk fed ad libitum appears to be an effective and practical approach for hand raising some wild ungulates.