Question

If a zoo animal eating ample food shows signs of malnutrition, how might a researcher determine which nutrient is lacking in its diet?

Short answer

A researcher can determine the lack of nutrition by inducing a diet plan with supplements. A meal that is rich in individual supplemental nutrition is given at a time for an extended period. The supplement which helps the recovery of malnutrition can be included in their diet more often.

Step-by-step solution

Nutrition in animals

Animals are heterotrophs and depend on plants for their nutrition directly on indirectly. The animals that feed on meat or other animals are carnivores. The animals that feed on plant materials are herbivores. Some animals, such as humans, consumes both plant and meat, and such animals are omnivores.

Malnutrition

The deficiency of nutrition causes malnutrition in animals. For example, lack of protein in the diet causes Kwashiorkor. The shortage of carbohydrates causes hypoglycemia and restarted growth. Insufficient availability of vitamin D causes a lack of development in bones.

Poor nutrition and digestive disorders cause malnutrition in animals.

Factors which help to determine malnutrition

The signs and symptoms of malnutrition indicate a specific nutrient deficiency. For example, poor body growth, damaged body fur and nails growth show a lack of calcium and protein.

A researcher can observe malnutrition symptoms to identify which nutrition is lacking in the animal and include the same in the diet. If symptoms are not accurate, a researcher can use a multi-nutrient diet plan in animals’ routines.

The deficient nutrient can be determined by giving one nutrient at a time.