Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition

Book excerpt: Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition fills a serious gap in the wildlife and animal nutrition literature by providing a discussion of the basic principles of nutrition and their application to the broader field of wildlife ecology. This book is based on lectures presented in an upper-level wildlife nutrition course taught at Washington State University. The book opens with an introductory chapter on wildlife nutrition. This is followed by separate chapters on general nutrient and energy requirements; protein, water, vitamin, and mineral requirements; impact of nutrition on reproductive characteristics; gastrointestinal anatomy and function; and digestion and nutrient metabolism. The text will be invaluable to wildlife biologists, to those who are interested in captive animal nutrition and management, and to those who are interested in improving the feed supply and nutrition of free-ranging wildlife. It should also be helpful to undergraduate and graduate students as well as teachers of biology and wildlife management. The book will be a useful reference for all who are interested and concerned with wildlife throughout the world.