Nutrition and behavior of fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda).

Fennec foxes make popular pets because of their small size, minimal odor, and highly social behaviors. They are kept in zoos for conservation and educational programs. The exotic animal practitioner is most likely to be presented with fennec foxes that are overweight because of inappropriate diets or excessive feeding.

Fiber digestibility by black lemurs (Eulemur macaco macaco).

Black lemurs, Eulemur macaco, are classified as generalist feeders, consuming a proportion of fruits and leaves that varies with seasonal availability. It is hypothesized that black lemurs are capable of using neutral detergent fiber (NDF) as a source of energy through fiber fermentation in the cecum and large intestine. In captivity, they are typically fed a diet of commercially available primate biscuits and readily available produce, both of which are limited in NDE Digestibility trials were conducted on 14 black lemurs; 12 were housed in groups (four, three, three, and two) and 2 were individually housed.

Fiber digestibility by the orangutan (Pongo abelii): in vitro and in vivo.

Limited nutritional information exists on diets of free-ranging orangutans, Pongo abelii and P. pygmaeus. Although they are classified as frugivores, the chemical composition of their diet and their gastrointestinal anatomy suggest that they rely on fiber fermentation for a substantial portion of energy.