ISSN: 2639-216X
Authors: Tavelli MK, Abernethy Palmer G and Brereton JE*
Zoo diets containing fruit and vegetables are commonly chopped into small pieces, and yet there is limited evidence as to why this is practiced. Species-specific studies are therefore needed to determine whether chopping food is a good use of time. Many hornbill species are primarily frugivorous, and they are popular in zoos globally. Studies, therefore, on hornbill food presentation and behaviour could have application for zoo diets worldwide. This study explores food presentation effects on the behaviour of two hornbill species (Visayan hornbill, Penelopides panini and von der Decken hornbill, Tockus deckeni) were studied at Sparsholt College. Both species’ behaviour was observed utilising instantaneous focal sampling during chopped and whole presentation conditions. Food intake and the time taken to prepare each diet was also measured. Behavioural results showed a significant increase in natural behaviours such as social feeding, and a significant decrease in inactivity and aggression during whole presentation for both species. There was no significant difference in food intake and preparation time, suggesting whole presentation did not reduce intake, add wastage, or make diet preparation difficult. Therefore, this study evidences the use of whole presentation for both species as there was a definitive increase in natural behaviour, which signifies welfare improvement, with no negative impacts such as decreased nutrient intake or increased preparation time. Both species are threatened in their wild habitats; therefore, captive management is required, and improvements in husbandry may improve welfare. Increased sociality and decreased inactivity are important for captive animals, and swapping to whole presentation had no apparent effect for these species while saving keeper time. Future studies should replicate this on other hornbill groups to evidence a complete change of husbandry for these species and others to continue to evidence husbandry methods.
Keywords: Avian; Chopped Food; Diet Presentation; Hornbill; Natural Behaviour; Zoo Nutrition
