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BIA on Other Animals


Abstract

J Nutr. 2001 Apr;131(4):1302-8.

Use of bioimpedance spectroscopy to estimate body water distribution in rats fed high dietary sulfur amino acids.

Yokoi K, Lukaski HC, Uthus EO, Nielsen FH.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-9034, USA. kyokoi@gfhnrc.ars.usda.gov

The effect of dietary sulfur amino acids on bioelectric properties was studied in rats by using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Weanling rats were assigned to one of 12 groups in a factorially arranged experiment with dietary variables of supplemental sulfur amino acid (none, 10 g DL-methionine/kg or 10 g DL-homocystine/kg), pyridoxine hydrochloride (0 or 7.5 mg/kg) and nickel (0 or 1 mg/kg). After 9 wk of feeding, 20-h urine specimens were collected from food-deprived rats for measurements of creatinine, and then bioimpedance was measured with multifrequency (Hydra ECF/ICF 4200) and single-frequency (RJL Systems model 101) analyzers. Urinary creatinine excretion was measured by intracellular water (ICW), total body solid and urinary volume (R2 = 0.675). Extracellular water (ECW) did not add significantly to the model. Rats fed methionine had significantly lower total body water, ICW and ECW than rats fed no supplemental sulfur amino acid. Rats fed homocystine had significantly lower ECW and a significantly higher ratio of ICW to ECW. Rats fed methionine or homocystine had significantly lower capacitance corrected for body length and ICW than those fed no supplemental sulfur amino acids. These results suggest that dietary homocystine changes the distribution of body water and that sulfur amino acids can affect membrane porosity and/or membrane thickness.


Med Biol Eng Comput. 1998 Sep;36(5):604-7.

Impedance of goat eye lens at different DC voltages.

Kohli KS, Rai DV, Jindal VK, Goyal N.

Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.

A computer assisted AC impedance system is used to measure the DC voltage-current (V-I) characteristics and AC impedance of a goat eye lens using a two-probe Ag-AgCl electrode system. The measurement of the V-I characteristics shows that when a DC voltage from 0 mV to 30 mV is applied, the resultant current decreases from an initial value of 0.58 microA to 0.006 microA. However, when the voltage is increases beyond 30 mV, the current increases and reaches a value of 0.9 microA at 100 mV. The data on the frequency response (0.01-10 Hz) of the impedance of lens tissue show an inverse relationship with frequency. The effect of various DC voltages, namely 0, 30, 50, 100 and 200 mV, on the impedance of the eye lens is also investigated over a frequency range of 0.01-10 Hz. The measurement results for both V-I characteristics and AC impedance further suggest the presence of a 30 mV voltage compartment in the goat eye lens.


J Anim Sci. 1992 Nov;70(11):3443-50.

Use of bioelectrical impedance to predict leanness of Boston butts.

Marchello MJ, Slanger WD.

Animal and Range Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105.

The objective of this research was to make available bioelectrical impedance technology for the prediction of kilograms of lean and kilograms of fat-free muscle of Boston butts. Seventy butts were removed from 70 pork carcasses according to standard procedures (NAMP, #406), with the exception that the fat was not removed. After the weight in kilograms (BUTT) and internal temperature in degrees centigrade (TEMP) were recorded, each butt was measured for resistance (Rs, ohms), reactance (Xc, ohms), and distance (L, centimeters) between detector terminals four different ways: parallel or perpendicular to the top of the carcass and on either lean surface or fat surface of the cut. Each cut was physically separated into lean, fat, and bone. Chemical composition (moisture, protein, and fat) was determined on the lean portion. Variable selection analysis was used to develop equations for predicting kilograms of lean and kilograms of fat-free muscle of Boston butts. Results of measurements of the four sites were quite similar; however, measuring perpendicularly on the lean surface is recommended. The prediction equation for kilograms of lean from measurements thus taken is as follows: .461-.0304 x TEMP + .576 x BUTT - .0118 x Rs + .00845 x Xc + .0630 x L. The respective coefficients of these independent variables for predicting kilograms of fat-free muscle are .537, -.0415, .479, -.0139, .00804, and .0764. In an industry application of these coefficients, recording temperature would not be imperative because the temperature range would be sufficiently narrow to render temperature of little practical influence when separating butts according to leanness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Journal of Mammalogy, 87(4):717-722, 2006

CONDITION INDICES AND BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS TO PREDICT BODY CONDITION OF SMALL CARNIVORES

JUSTIN A. PITT,* SERGE LARIVIE`RE, AND FRANCOIS MESSIER

Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada (JAP, FM) Cree Hunters and Trappers Income Security Board, Edifice Champlain, Bureau 110, 2700 Boulevard Laurier, Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1V 4K5, Canada (SL)

Body condition directly affects survival and reproduction by animals, so its effects on fitness represent an important component of animal ecology. Traditionally, ecologists have relied on direct chemical analysis or morphometric indices to assess body condition. We examined the ability of morphometric indices and bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate body condition of raccoons (Procyon lotor) and assessed the need for species-specific models. Morphological indices were poor estimators of body condition; the best model explained 62% of the variation of fat and had a high SE (r2 1/4 0.62, SE 1/4 0.52, P , 0.001). Bioelectrical impedance analysis proved to be a reliable way to noninvasively estimate body condition. Models for lean dry mass and total body water were used to accurately estimate body fat (r2 1/4 0.94, SE 1/4 0.16, P , 0.001). Body fat estimates derived through models for a similar species performed better than morphometric indices but did not achieve the accuracy of the species-specific model. Examination of our data highlights the need to validate models used to estimate body condition before use.


J. Nutr. 132: 1760S-1762S, 2002.

Extracellular Water and Total Body Water Estimated by Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Healthy Cats: A Cross-Validation Study1

Denise A. Elliott,2,3 Robert C. Backus, Marta D. Van Loan* and Quinton R. Rogers

Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA and *U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA

Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA4) is emerging as a simple, noninvasive routine clinical procedure that allows the rapid and frequent evaluation of total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) (1) The application of MF-BIA to determine TBW and ECW in adult healthy cats has been evaluated (2). In that study, the MF-BIA prediction of TBW in 20 healthy adult cats was r _ 0.84, and the standard error of the estimate (SEE) was 0.26 L, or 9.96%. Similarly, the MF-BIA prediction of ECW in 20 healthy adult cats was r _ 0.91, and SEE was 0.07 L, or 6.87%. The purpose of this study was to cross-validate the MF-BIA method by comparing the relationship between MF-BIA with TBW determined by deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution and ECW determined by bromide (Br) space in a group of cats with a diverse range of body weights and body condition scores.


J. Anim. Sci. 1999. 77:2965-2970

Determination of Saleable Product in Finished Cattle and Beef Carcasses Utilizing Bioelectrical Impedance Technology

M. J. Marchello, J. E. McLennan, D. V. Dhuyvetter, and W. D. Slanger

Animal and Range Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105-5727

Two experiments were performed to develop prediction equations of saleable beef and to validate the prediction equations. In Exp. 1, 50 beef cattle were finished to typical slaughter weights, and multiple linear regression equations were developed to predict kilograms of trimmed boneless, retail product of live cattle, and hot and cold carcasses. A four-terminal bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) was used to measure resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc) on each animal and processed carcass. The IMPS cuts plus trim were weighed and recorded. Distance between detector terminals (Lg) and carcass temperature (Tp) at time of BIA readings were recorded. Other variables included live weight (BW), hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), and volume (Lg2/Rs). Regression equations for predicting kilograms of saleable product were [11.87 + (.409 × BW) - (.335 × Lg) + (.0518 × volume)] for live (R2 = .80); [-58.83 + (.589 × HCW) (.846 × Rs) + (1.152 × Xc) + (.142 × Lg) + (2.608 × Tp)] for hot carcass (R2 = .95); and [32.15 + (.633 × CCW) + (.33 × Xc) - (.83 × Lg) + (.677 × vo1ume)] for cold carcass (R2 = .93). In Exp. 2, 27 beef cattle were finished in a manner similar to Exp. 1, and the prediction equations from Exp. 1 were used to predict the saleable product of these animals. The Pearson correlations between actual saleable product and the predictions based on live and cold carcass data were .91 and .95, respectively. The Spearman and Kendall rank correlations were .95 and .83, respectively, for the cold carcass data. These results provide a practical application of bioelectrical impedance for market-based pricing. They complement previous studies that assessed fat-free mass.


J. Anim . Sci. 1994. 72:3118-3123

Bioelectrical Impedance Can Predict Skeletal Muscle and Fat-Free Skeletal Muscle of Beef Cows and Their Carcasses

M. J. Marchello and W. D. Slanger

Department of Animal and Range Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105

Multiple linear regression equations predicting total skeletal muscle (TM) and total skeletal fat-free muscle (TFFM weight were developed from data of 33 beef cows. Animals varied in weight (385 to 749 kg), age (3 to 10 yr), and fatness (.13 to 2.54 cm). A four-terminal impedance meter/plethysmograph measured resistance and reactance on the live animals, exsanguinated (bled) animals, and on the subsequent hot and cold carcasses. Stainless steel, sterile needles (20-gauge) were used as electrodes. They were inserted to depths of 12.7 mm for measurements made before and after exsanguinations and to 25.4 mm for carcass measurements. Cold carcass resistance and reactance were measured a second time using 13-gauge needles inserted to depth of 76.2 mm. Distance between detector electrodes was measured. Carcass sides were physically separated into muscle, fat, and bone. Chemical composition (moisture, protein, and fat) was determined on the muscle portion. Equations predicting TM weight from live, bled, hot carcass, and cold carcass data had adjusted R2 values of .90, .96, .94, and .92, respectively. Analogous adjusted R2 values for TFFM weight were 37, .93, .90, and .87. Resistance was a predictor variable in all equations. The use of larger needles resulted in higher adjusted R2 values and inclusion of reactance as a predictor variable. Mallows Cp values were close to the ideal value of the number of independent variables in the prediction equations plus one( 1). Results indicate that bioelectrical impedance technology is a rapid, nondestructive, and accurate method for determining TM and TFFM weight of beef cows and carcasses. This demonstrates that bioelectrical impedance has the potential to be used as a valuebased marketing tool. Because these measurements can be easily obtained on live animals with no detrimental effects, it has the potential to be used for the genetic selection of superior animals.


Can. J. Zool. 77: 418-422 (1999)

Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a means of estimating total body water in grey seals

W. Don Bowen, Carrie A. Beck, and Sara J. Iverson

W.D. Bowen.1 Marine Fish Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada. C.A. Beck and S.J. Iverson. Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4J1, Canada.

Estimates of total body water (TBW) play an important role in studies of body composition and energetics in mammals. We evaluated bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a means of rapidly and inexpensively estimating TBW in 38 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Twenty-two males and 16 females, representing the range of body sizes in the population, were studied at Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Seals were chemically immobilized with Telazol during BIA measurement. TBW was determined by dilution of tritiated water. The mean difference in duplicate BIA measurements did not differ significantly from zero. BIA-measured resistance accounted for 83% of the variation in TBW over a range of body masses from 38.5 to 294 kg. Bioelectrical conductor volume (length2/resistance) accounted for 97% of the variation in TBW. Average error in predicting TBW was +0.10% for a validation set of nine animals, but errors in predicting TBW of individual seals were up to 25%. Our results indicate that BIA measurements can be a valuable adjunct to the use of isotope dilution for estimating TBW in chemically immobilized grey seals; however, individual estimates may be associated with varying degrees of error.


Meat Science 72 (2006) 43-46

Prediction of body composition of Iberian pigs by means bioelectrical impedance

A. Daza a,*, A. Mateos a, I. Ovejero a, C.J. Lo´pez Bote b

a Departamento de Produccio´n Animal, E.T.S de Ingenieros Agro´ nomos, Universidad Polite´cnica de Madrid, Spain
b Departamento de Produccio´n Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Twelve barrow Iberian pigs with an average weight at slaughter of 109.2 kg were used to evaluate bioelectrical impedance procedures to predict the body composition of live pigs. Twelve hours before slaughter pigs were weighed, and a four-terminal body composition analyser (Model BIA-101, RJL Systems, Detroit, MI) was utilized to determine resistance (Rs in X) and reactance (Xc in X). The length values (L in cm) were measured between detector electrodes with a flexible steel tape. Twenty four hours after slaughter the left side of each carcass was separated using a scalpel into fat, lean, bone and skin. Multiple regression equations for estimating lean, fat, bone and skin amounts and lean, fat, bone and skin proportions with respect to slaughter weight were calculated. The live weight (LW) and L independent variables predicted 85.3% and 64.3% of the variability of the lean amount and lean proportion, respectively. The LW, Xc and L variables accounted for 96% and 91.6% of the variation in fat quantity and fat proportion, respectively. The LW and Rs accounted for 58.9% of the variation in bone amount, and the same variables predict 79.1% of the variability of bone percentage. The Rs and L variables explained 68% of the variability of skin quantity and LW, Rs and Xc predicted 83.1% of the variation of skin proportion. Results from this experiment indicate that bioelectrical impedance may be of interest for body composition prediction of live Iberian pigs.


Marine Mammal Science 11 (3) , 301-313 doi:10.1111/j.1748-7692.1995.tb00286.x

INDICES OF BODY CONDITION AND BODY COMPOSITION IN FEMALE ANTARCTIC FUR SEALS (ARCTOCEPHALUS GAZELLA)

JOHN P. Y.ARNOULD

British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, U.K.

An attempt was made to develop simple, inexpensive, rapid means of determining body composition in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella). Measurements of total body water (TBW) and total body lipid (TBL), obtained by hydrogen isotope dilution, were compared to the results of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and morphometric indices of body condition in 52 adult females. TBW was weakly correlated with BIA measurements of resistance (v = -0.30, P < 0.03). Conductor volume (length2/resistance) was more highly correlated with TBW(r = 0.75, P < 0.0001) and the inclusion of mass into the predictive equation improved the correlation further (r = 0.95, P < 0.0001). A body condition index (mass/length) previously used in pinniped studies was positively correlated to TBL (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001) validating its use as a relative index of condition. However, body mass alone was highly correlated to TBW (r = 0.94, P < 0.0001) and appears to provide a simple, rapid means of estimating body composition in adult females. This technique may also be applicable to juvenile male Antarctic fur seals.


Can. J. Zool. 77(3): 418-422 (1999)

Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a means of estimating total body water in grey seals

W. Don Bowen, Carrie A. Beck, and Sara J. Iverson

Estimates of total body water (TBW) play an important role in studies of body composition and energetics in mammals. We evaluated bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a means of rapidly and inexpensively estimating TBW in 38 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Twenty-two males and 16 females, representing the range of body sizes in the population, were studied at Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Seals were chemically immobilized with Telazol during BIA measurement. TBW was determined by dilution of tritiated water. The mean difference in duplicate BIA measurements did not differ significantly from zero. BIA-measured resistance accounted for 83% of the variation in TBW over a range of body masses from 38.5 to 294 kg. Bioelectrical conductor volume (length2/resistance) accounted for 97% of the variation in TBW. Average error in predicting TBW was +0.10% for a validation set of nine animals, but errors in predicting TBW of individual seals were up to 25%. Our results indicate that BIA measurements can be a valuable adjunct to the use of isotope dilution for estimating TBW in chemically immobilized grey seals; however, individual estimates may be associated with varying degrees of error.


Marine Mammal Science 10 (1) , 1-12 doi:10.1111/j.1748-7692.1994.tb00385.x

USE OF BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS TO ASSESS BODY COMPOSITION OF SEALS

ROSEMARY GALES

Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5S7, DEANE RENOUF11Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5S7, G. A. J. WORTHY22Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A&M University, 4700 Avenue U, Building 303, Galveston, Texas 77551, USA

Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5S7 2Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A&M University, 4700 Avenue U, Building 303, Galveston, Texas 77551, USA

Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, GPO Box 44A, Hobart, Australia 7001.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measures resistance and reactance of a current as it passes through an organism. The validity of using BIA as a tool to measure body water content, and hence body composition and condition, was tested on harp and ringed seals. The resistance and reactance readings from BIA were compared to estimates of total body water (TBW) determined via tritiated water dilution. The relationship between resistance and TBW (% of body mass) was linear after logarithmic transformation and the two variables were highly correlated. We describe the electrode configuration and placements which provide reliable results in these seals. Our findings indicate that BIA has considerable potential as an inexpensive, rapid, and reliable technique for estimating body composition of phocid seals.


Wildlife Research 24(6) 649 - 660 (1997)

Evaluation of Techniques for Indirect Measurement of Body Composition in a Free-ranging Large Herbivore, the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

Andrew P. Woolnough, William J. Foley, Christopher N. Johnson and Murray Evans

Several indirect methods for measuring body composition in a large herbivore, the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), were evaluated. Body composition was determined by whole-body chemical analysis of 15 wild-caught wombats, and compared with several indices of body fat: total body water measured by isotope dilution, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), body-mass index, and a body- condition score. Total body water and total body fat (by soxhlet analysis) were highly correlated (r2 = 0.97, intercept s.e. = 1.00). Total body water measured by desiccation was highly correlated with isotope dilution space (r2 = 0.97, intercept s.e. = 0.43 for deuterium; r2 = 0.95, intercept s.e. = 0.44 for H218O). Percentage body fat by soxhlet analysis was highly correlated with total body water measured as deuterium dilution space (r2 = 0.83, intercept s.e. = 2.46). Multiple linear regression models using BIA plethysmograph measurements (resistance and impedance) and total body mass, were successful in predicting body fat (r2 = 0.90, s.e. = 1.99) and total body water (r2 = 0.90, s.e. = 1.64). Isotope-dilution techniques are the most accurate means of indirectly measuring total body water and total body fat, but at considerable expense of time and money. BIA offers reduced accuracy but at less cost and may be useful for measuring changes in body composition in populations of herbivores. Body-condition indices and scores correlate poorly with body fat, suggesting that their application as a means to predict body fat is limited.


Wildlife Society Bulletin, Vol. 30, No. 3 (Autumn, 2002), pp. 915-921

Evaluation of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis as an Estimator of Moose Body Composition

Kris J. Hundertmark and Charles C. Schwartz

Estimation of body composition of wild ungulates yields important information regarding nutritional status of individuals and populations; yet, there are few suitable field techniques that are nondestructive, unbiased, precise, and quick to perform. We tested the suitability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as an estimator of body composition of moose (Alces alces) for use in the field. A derived BIA variable, impedance volume, was a significant predictor of body fat (mass and percentage) and body water (mass and percentage) when sex was added to models as an indicator variable but explained only 48-57% of variation in composition. Best predictive models included impedance volume, sex, body mass, and a body mass × sex interaction. Due to difficulty measuring body mass of moose in the field, we also generated predictive models when body mass was replaced with a proxy tex-math$(\text{length}\times \text{girth}^{2})$/tex-math. Predictive equations for body water were more precise than were those for body fat. Impedance estimates decreased as the subject's hind leg was straightened, indicating that animal positioning must be standardized to minimize bias. Lack of precision made BIA unsuitable for estimating moose body fat in the field. BIA was a precise and quick estimator of body water in moose, but its limitations make it more suitable for the laboratory than the field.


The Journal of Wildlife Management, Vol. 63, No. 1 (Jan., 1999), pp. 286-291

Evaluating Nutritional Condition of Grizzly Bears via Select Blood Parameters

Robert J. Gau and Ray Case

The use of blood parameters to estimate nutritional condition of bears has yet to be validated with actual body compositions. We used bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to accurately estimate the body composition of a free-ranging population of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) from the central Arctic of the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada. We then correlated their blood hematology and metabolite parameters, previously identified by other studies on black bears (U. americanus) and grizzly bears to be useful indicators of nutritional condition, to the percentage of total body fat determined by BIA. None of the examined blood parameters had a significant relation with total body fat levels that were free from the effects of activity, stress, or dietary changes. Thus, interpretations of a grizzly bear's nutritional condition via the blood parameters we examined would be spurious.


Ursus, 2004 pp. 161-171

Nutritional ecology of ursids: a review of newer methods and management implications

Charles T. RobbinsA, Charles C. SchwartzB, and Laura A. FelicettiC

A. Department of Natural Resource Sciences and School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA,
B. Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Forestry Sciences Lab, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA,
C. School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA

The capability to understand the nutritional ecology of free-ranging bears has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. Advancements have occurred because (1) managers and biologists recognized the need to link habitat quality, productivity, and variability with bear movements, home ranges, and demographic parameters like reproductive output, survival, and population growth, and (2) several research teams are using new methods to build on the results of earlier field studies. Our ability to couple new field methods and empirical field research with controlled experiments using captive bears has been central to our increased understanding of bear nutrition. Newer methods include the use of stable isotopes to quantify assimilated diet and nutrient flows within ecosystems, bioelectrical impedance to measure body composition, and naturally occurring mercury to estimate fish intake. Controlled experiments using captive bears have been integral to developing methods, isolating specific variables by controlling the environment, and providing additional nutritional understanding necessary to interpret field observations. We review new methods and apply our increased understanding of bear nutritional ecology to 3 management issues: (1) the importance of salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) to brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the Pacific Northwest, (2) the consequences of the closure of the Yellowstone garbage dumps to grizzly bears, and (3) the relocation of problem bears.


Polar Bears International / AZA Bear TAG (February 2006)

Polar Bear Nutrition Guidelines

B.A. Lintzenich, M.S., A.M. Ward, M.S., M.S. Edwards, Ph.D., M.E. Griffin, Ph.D., C.T. Robbins, Ph.D.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Fort Worth Zoo, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Purina Mills, Inc., Washington State University

Polar bears, the most carnivorous of the Ursidae family, prey primarily on ringed seals (Best, 1985; Derocher, et. al, 2000; Stirling and Archibald, 1977). When brought into captivity, maintaining their nutritional and mental health can be challenging. Due to the lack of indepth species-specific research, captive polar bear diets must be based on a combination of known requirements of related domestic animals, the successful captive polar bear diets, and nutrients consumed by healthy captive polar bears to formulate dietary recommendations. A balanced diet for captive bears could include a combination of nutritionally complete items (dry, raw, and/or gel), saltwater fish, bones, whole prey, produce, and enrichment food items. All bears should be offered a diet that would maintain appropriate body condition across all Seasons.


These papers and abstracts of papers have been published in peer-reviewed journals. They may draw conclusions and discuss applications of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis which have not been reviewed by the FDA. Statements made within them are the sole responsibility of the authors. Unless otherwise indicated, no material support was provided to the authors or study investigators by RJL Systems.