Nutritional Management, Caloric Food Intake, and Body Mass of Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) Under Human Care

Abstract

A varied and balanced diet is essential for maintenance of good health. A nutritional program must rely on a good understanding of the composition and quality of the food offered. When basic nutritional needs arc not met, animals may develop changes in physiological function that may potentially compensate for stress related to an unbalanced diet Poor nutrition could lead to decreased resistance to infectious agents and, ultimately, to disease. Understanding and application of nutritional energetics may prevent such problems from developing. The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional management of six grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) kept under human care between 2005 and 2015, and to report for the first time the kilo-caloric intake of grey seals over a 11-year period, thus presenting objective tools that would be useful for improving their nutritional management.