PLASMA VITAMIN-E AND OTHER ANALYTE LEVELS IN NEPALESE CAMP ELEPHANTS (ELEPHAS-MAXIMUS)

Plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and other analyt es in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Nepal were determined durin g typical work camp management of the elephants. Elephants foraged for food for 4-6 hr each day under the control of mahouts and were also p rovided daily with cut forage and supplements of unhusked rice, cane m olasses, and salt. Blood samples were taken monthly for 1 yr without c hemical restraint from 26 female elephants in four camps. Elephants we re 6-60+ yr of age. Mean (+/-SEM) alpha-tocopherol concentration was 0 .77 +/- 0.047 mu g/ml, with a range of 0.23-1.57 mu g/ml. Subadults ha d lower concentrations than did older elephants, and there were signif icant differences in mean concentrations from different camps and in m ean monthly concentrations. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration appe ars to vary widely between individuals, and a single value of <0.3 mu g/ml is not sufficient to diagnose incipient vitamin E deficiency. Mea n (+/-SEM) plasma retinol (vitamin A) concentration was 0.063 +/- 0.00 3 mu g/ml with a range of 0.01-0.12 mu g/ml. Subadults had higher conc entrations than did older elephants, and mean retinal values differed significantly among camps. Beta-carotene was not found in plasma. Twen ty-five other analytes determined or derived were generally similar to those reported in other Asian and African (Loxodonta africana) elepha nts. Estimates of nutrient intake, based upon diet composition, sugges ted that dietary concentrations of zinc and sodium may have been margi nal, but the absence of signs of any nutrient deficiencies Indicates t hat dietary husbandry in these elephant camps was generally satisfacto ry.