International Journal of
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Research Article Volume 9 Issue 3
Nutritional deficiencies, supplementation response, and obesity risk in arabian oryx (oryx leucoryx), addax (addax nasomaculatus), and scimitar-horned oryx (oryx dammah) under managed care
Jomy M Johny, Anjan Talukdar, Mohit Ramnivas, Jayadevan M Mandiram, Murad B Mustafa, Muna A Alhajeri
Received: December 08, 2025 | Published: December 22, 2025
Citation: Johny JM, Talukdar A, Ramnivas M, et al. Micronutrient correction and concurrent iatrogenic obesity in captive desert antelope. Int J Avian & Wildlife Biol. 2025;9(3):139-141. DOI: 10.15406/ijawb.2025.09.00244
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies and subsequent obesity pose complex challenges to the long-term health and conservation success of captive ungulates. This study assessed the nutritional and metabolic status of three desert antelope species Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), addax (Addax nasomaculatus), and scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) maintained under human care between October 2024 and April 2025. Initial blood analysis October 2024 identified widespread deficiencies in Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Selenium (Se), leading to the implementation of targeted supplementation. By April 2025, while serum levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Selenium were successfully optimized or over-corrected, deficiencies in Copper and Zinc persisted in several individuals, indicating incomplete resolution. Critically, during this six-month period, the average body weight of the cohort increased by 20%, driven by individual gains up to 58.1% and corresponding increases in Body Condition Score (BCS) up to 8/9 (Fat). This weight gain was attributed to five keys, interacting factors: overestimation of baseline body weight for feed calculations, inappropriate hay-to-concentrate ratios, low energy expenditure in captivity, social dominance at feed stations, and compensatory growth following mineral correction. To address this, a revised management plan focusing on precision-feeding based on actual body weight, and the seasonal elimination of high-energy pelleted feeds, is now in place. This case underscores the necessity of accurate individual-level metabolic data, balanced energy allocation, and social dynamics assessment to prevent iatrogenic obesity while managing micronutrient health in conservation programs.
Keywords: arabian oryx, addax, scimitar-horned oryx, vitamin deficiency, micronutrients, obesity, captive management, diet formulation, summer diet
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