Clinical Data from Free-Ranging and Captive West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus)
IAAAM 1979
F.C. Neal1; A.B. Irvine2; K.C. Bachman3; R.L. Jenkins4
1College Vet. Med., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nat. Fish and Wildlife Lab., Gainesville, FL; 3Dai. Sci. Dept., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 4Marineland, St. Augustine, FL

Abstract

Brief discussions on the following subjects will be presented:

  1. Blood and urine values in free-ranging and captive manatees.

  2. Body temperature responses to cold environments.

  3. Composition of manatee milk during late lactation.

  4. Skin lesions in captive manatees.

  5. Freeze branding of manatees for identification in field studies.

Notes

Blood Values - The SMA-12 of the manatee is similar to that of the human except for a relatively high albumin level and a high LDH.

Urine Values - A frisbee works very well for urine collection. Manatee's urine has a low specific gravity.

Thermoregulation  - Manatees have a very low, weight-related metabolic rate. They respond poorly to changes in water temperature. Manatees do best in warmer waters but may have a problem with thermoregulation if conditions are too warm.

Manatee Milk  - It has less citric acid than cow's milk and contains no lactose.

Skin Lesions  - start as folliculitis due to pyogenic Staph.

Freeze Branding - Liquid nitrogen is used.

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Speaker Information
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F. C. Neal


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