Effects of seasonal changes in dietary energy on body weight of captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).

摘要: Food availability varies seasonally for wild animals, and body weight fluctuates accordingly in the wild. In contrast, controlling of diet under captive condition is difficult from keepers' standpoint, monotonous often causes health problems animals. We evaluated effects a controlled on Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) an outside enclosure at Ueno Zoo, Tokyo, Japan. fed high-energy spring fall, more restricted summer winter 3 years (2011-2013). Seasonal changes were similar to those that occur macaques: both sexes, was higher fall lower winter. A decrease between occurred only adults, which implied reducing dietary intake had severe effect adults than juveniles. Different populations, did not summer, we attributed lack movement within excess energy summer. addition composition, providing large with complex structure making efforts giving unpredictability feeding are necessary motivate animals be active, would cause show seasonal change weight, found