Volume 08 July 1999

The Diet of Sri Lankan Domesticated Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus)

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

The Diet of Sri Lankan Domesticated Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) Godagama, W.K.; Wemmer, C.; Ratnasooriya, W.D. The aim of this study was to scientifically document the components of the diets usually given to domesticated elephants of Sri Lanka (Elephas maxim us maximus). The study was conducted between April, 1993 and April, 1994 in 13 of the 24 administrative disricts of the country and was based on 140 domesticated elephants. The respective mahouts and/or owners of these elephants were also interviewed. The results show that the elephants are gi ven a standerd menu consisting of 3 main items [(kitullogs (Caryota urenus L.), coconut fronds (Cocus nucifera L.) and jak branches (Artocarpus integrifolia L.)] and 10 supplementary items [leaves of pota wel (Pothos scandens L.), gonna (Ficus callosa L.), palu (Minilkara hexandra Roxb.), nuga (Ficus bengalensis L.), na (Ficus racemosa L.), attika (Adathoda vasica Nees.), budeliya (Totracera sarmetosa L.), and erabadu (Erythrina variegata F. V. Muell.), leaves and stems of banana (Musa acuminata Colla.)]. Two of the main items, namely kitullogs and coconut fronds are given either singly [weight of Kitul (Caryota urens L.): 273 ± 5.9 kg./day] or in combination [ weight of kitul (Caryota urens) 139 ± 2.9kg/ day and weights of coconut (Cocus nucifera L.) 157±2.8kg/day] withJak (Artocapus integrifolia L.) branches (48 ± 0.94 kg/day). All the elephants were given fruits [banana (Musa acuminata L.), pineapple (Ananas cosmus Lindl.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), wood apple (Feronia limonia L.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), water melon (Citrillus vulgaris Schrad.), sugar cane (Saccharum officinale L.),] and vegetables [bread fruit, jak fruit (Artocarpus integrifolia L.), pumpkins (Cucubita moschata Duch.)] depending on the availability. Some elephants were also given prepared food items (milk rice, oil cakes, kokis, jaggery). Surprisingly, grass was incorporated in the diet of only 5 (3.57%) animals, all belonging to one owner. Kitul appears to be the most preferred food (80%). Two percent preferred coconut and 18% had no special preference to any item of food. Majority of the mahouts were reluctant to feed their elephants with bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Scharsd.) 76 Godagama, Wemmer and Ratnasooriya and ehatu (Ficus tsiela Roxb.), Six percent of the elephants were gi ven alcohol occasionally by their mahouts. Elephants were usually allowed to drink water 3-4 times/day. The quantity of food given to domesticated Sri Lankan elephants is sufficient but quality can be enhanced further without corrosponding increase in the maintenance costs.

Studies on Diel Feeding and Digestibility of Cyanobacteria

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Studies on Diel Feeding and Digestibility of Cyanobacteria Kariyawasam, L.M.; Piyasiri, Swarna Beira Lake is eutrophic and covered with a bloom of Cyanobacteria. Hybrids of Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis mossambicus dominate the lake. Present study deals with feeding cycle and digestibility of the bloom by Oreochromis species. Volume method and the point method were used to determine feeding intensity of the hybrids. Stomach pH and Chloropltyll-a content in stomach and hindgut were determined at different hours of the day. Four to five diumals were conducted in the field and in the laboratory. Results indicated that, oreochromis hybrids commenced their feeding at the 6th hour and stomachs were filled up to 25%. At the 12th hour, majority of fish were fed from 50% to 75% and on the 18th hour up to full stomach level. Feeding decreased from 75% to 50% at the onest of resting phase at the 24th hour. Results were similar under laboratory conditions. At the onset offeeding pH was 7-8 in the stomach. Ch-a concentration in the hindgut was high, and food passed undigested. At the 12th hour, pH decreased from 3-4 and reached 1-2 at the 18th hour indicating onset of digestion. From 18th to 24th hour, active digestion occurred.

Spheres Produces in a Graphite Film Bombarded by Electrons

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Spheres Produces in a Graphite Film Bombarded by Electrons Fernando, P.C.B.; Wijeratne, Agra T. An approximate relationship is derived between bombarding electron characteristics and the size of carbon spheres produced. using a mechanism proposed by the authors.

Serum Glucose Levels in Captive Sri Lankan Elephants (Elephas maximus maximus)

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Serum Glucose Levels in Captive Sri Lankan Elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Gunasekera, M.B.; Goonesekere, N.C.W.; Vandebona, H.; Kodikara, D.S. Serum glucose level of the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), a subspecies of the Asian elephant. has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the random serum glucose level of captive adult Sri Lankan elephants to be used as reference base line data. The blood was collected from 16 individuals and serum glucose levels were determined using an enzymatic procedure (glucose hexokinase UV method) which is reliable, accurate and specific for glucose. The results show that the mean random glucose level of the Sri Lankan adult elephant was (mean±SEM) llS.02±7.3mg/dL (range: 64.2-186.1Smg/dL). The mean random serum glucose level of the males (l32.49±6.7mg/dL, range 88-186.2mg/dL) was significantly (Mann- Whitney U-test, PO.OS).