ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS-MAXIMUS) MILK-COMPOSITION DURING THE 1ST 280 DAYS OF LACTATION

Milk samples (n = 10) taken during the first 280 days of lactation fro m one Asian elephant were examined for nutrient composition including total solids, protein, fat, ash, alpha-tocopherol, and retinol levels. Total solids averaged 19.7 +/- 2.7% SD (range 15.0-23.3). Percent pro tein remained fairly stable throughout this portion of lactation and a veraged 3.4 +/- 0.3% (range 3.0-4.0). Ash content averaged 0.54 +/- 0. 03%. Milk fat and fat soluble vitamin levels varied considerably with a suggestion of a cyclic pattern. Fat content of milk averaged 7.6 +/- 2.6% (range 3.9-12.1); alpha-tocopheral levels averaged 0.33 +/- 0.12 mug/ml; and retinol levels averaged 0.46 +/- 0.1 mug/ml. (c) 1994 Wil ey-Liss, Inc.