Abstract

Recent uses for rumen boluses, such as mortality implant transmitters (MITs), in wildlife have made it necessary to adapt deployment techniques developed for livestock. In 29 and 30 attempts to place MITs in Minnesota free-ranging moose (Alces alces) in 2013 and 2014, respectively, success was achieved 83% and 63% of the time. In 2014, new methods for MIT deployment were evaluated in captive moose in Alaska. Mandible measurements provided guidance for selection of an appropriate-sized bolus applicator. A Schulze mouth gag was used to aid insertion of the applicator, and canola oil was used to lubricate the bolus to facilitate swallowing. Time to first swallow and time to continuous swallow following sedative reversal was measured to gauge appropriate timing for bolus administration. Using the adapted technique with trained personnel, success rates for MIT deployment were 100% (10/10) for captive moose and 88% (21/24) for free-ranging moose in Minnesota in 2015.

Keywords

Alces alces; moose; mortality implant transmitter; rumen bolus; ruminant

Published in

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
2018, Volume: 49, number: 1, pages: 227-230
Publisher: AMER ASSOC ZOO VETERINARIANS

SLU Authors

• Arnemo, Jon

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Fish and Wildlife Management


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1638/2017-0027R.1

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/94644