IOD IN RHINOS—NUTRITION GROUP REPORT: REPORT FROM THE NUTRITION WORKING GROUP OF THE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON IRON OVERLOAD DISORDER IN BROWSING RHINOCEROS (FEBRUARY 2011)

Abstract

Iron overload disorder (IOD) has been identified in browser rhinoceros species (eg. black rhino, Diceros bicornis; Sumatran rhino, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), although the mechanism by which IOD occurs in these species is unclear. It is known that browser rhino species are susceptible to this disorder; however, grazing rhino species (eg. White rhino, Ceratothenum simun; Indian rhino, Rhinocerus unicornis) are not as susceptible. Although the horse has been reported to be susceptible to IOD, the incidence appears to be much less frequent, making the horse a questionable model for iron metabolism and IOD in browser rhinos. This report provides feeding recommendations for browser rhinos maintained under the care of humans as well as directions for future research efforts.