25‐OH‐D3, calcium,phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase content in sera from captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs at the Denver Zoological Foundation

After the development of rickets in two hand‐reared polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs at the Denver Zoological Foundation we initiated a project opportunistically evaluating sera 25‐OH‐D₃, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels in seven mother‐reared polar bear cubs. From one to three serum samples were obtained while the cub was still in the den with no access to natural sunlight and one after the cub exited the den. The sera 25‐OH‐D₃ increased as the cubs grew (108±37 nmol/L [n=7] while in den, 184.6±48.3 nmol/L [n=7] out of the den) but were substantially lower then captive adults (348±215 nmol/L [n=36]) or free‐ranging adults (360±135 nmol/L [n=56]). We found that age was correlated significantly with 25‐OH‐D₃ levels but den status (in or out) was not significant. Sera calcium and phosphorus values were highest in denned cubs (calcium, 2.9±0.4 mmol/L [n=13]; phosphorus, 3.1±0.5 mmol/L [n=13]) and then declined as the cubs matured and left the den (calcium, 2.5±0.1 mmol/L [n=7]; phosphorus, 2.4±0.4 mmol/L [n=7]). The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (presumably the bone isoenzyme) was high in denned growing cubs (831±426 IU/L [n=13]) and then declined gradually as the cubs aged and exited the den (96±83 IU/L [n=7]). Zoo Biol 0:1–7, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Milk composition in free-ranging polar bears (Ursus maritimus) as a model for captive rearing milk formula

The goals of this study were to have an improved understanding of milk composition and to help create a suitable milk formula for cubs raised in captivity. Milk samples were evaluated for fat, fatty acids, carbohydrate, vitamin D(3), 25(OH)D(3), vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), protein, and amino acids. Total lipids in milk did not differ for cubs (mean ± SEM = 26.60 ± 1.88 g/100 ml vs. yearlings 27.80 ± 2.20 g/100 ml). Milk lipids were of 23.6% saturated fatty acid for cubs and 22.4% for yearlings. Milk consumed by cubs and yearlings contained 43.8 and 42.0% mono-unsaturated fatty acids and 23.4 and 21.9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Carbohydrate content was higher in milk for cubs (4.60 ± 0.64 g/100 ml) than for yearlings (2.60 ± 0.40 g/100 ml). Vitamin D(3) concentration of milk was 18.40 ± 5.00 ng/ml in early lactation compared with 7.60 ± 2.00 ng/ml for mid-lactation. 25(OH)D(3) was lower in milk consumed by cubs (162.00 ± 6.70 pg/ml) than in milk consumed by yearlings (205.00 ± 45.70 pg/ml). Vitamin A concentrations were 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.03 ± 0.01 μg/ml for cubs and yearlings, respectively. Vitamin E was higher in milk consumed by cubs (20.16 ± 4.46 μg/ml) than by yearlings (7.30 ± 1.50 μg/ml). Protein content did not differ in milk available to cubs (11.40 ± 0.80 g/100 ml compared with milk for yearlings 11.80 ± 0.40 g/100 ml). Taurine was the most abundant free amino acid at 3,165.90 ± 192.90 nmol/ml (0.04% as fed basis).     

Plasma tocopherol,retinol, and carotenoid concentrations in free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Chile

Plasma retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were measured in heparinized blood samples collected from 51 free-ranging adult Humboldt penguins (Sphenicus humboldti) residing at two colonies off the Chilean coast. Thirty samples were collected in April 1992 from penguins inhabiting the Ex-islote de los Pájaros Niños in Algarrobo, Chile. In September 1992, 21 samples were collected from birds inhabiting Isla de Cachagua, Chile. Samples were assayed for retinol, retinyl palmitate, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, and β-carotene. Retinol, α-tocopherol, and lutein were detected in all samples, while lycopene and γ-tocopherol were not detected in any. A significantly higher percentage of samples had detectable levels of retinyl palmitate and α-carotene in April (P < 0.001): for β-cryptoxanthin the percentage was higher in September (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol and lutein were higher in September. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were 1,877.1 ± 99.0 (SEM) μg/dl in April compared to 2.289 ± 122.3 μg/dl in September (P < 0.05); lutein concentrations were 4.16 ± 0.43 μg/dl in April vs. 10.68 ± 1.02 μg/dl in September (P < 0.001). Retinol concentrations were not significantly different (117 ± 8.0 μg/dl in April vs. 105.3 ± 7.6 μg/dl in September). Both physiologic changes associated with season, and the change in locale may have contributed to the differences seen in the assay means and the number of samples with detectable levels. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Population parameters and harvest risks for polar bears (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ursus maritimus</Emphasis>) of Kane Basin,Canada and Greenland

We estimated demographic parameters and current harvest risks for a population of polar bears (Ursus maritimus Phipps) inhabiting northern Smith Sound and Kane Basin, Canada and Greenland. Our demographic analysis included a detailed assessment of age- and sex-specific survival and recruitment from 141 marked polar bears, using information contained within the standing age distribution of captures and mark-recapture analysis. Total survival rates for females were: 0.374 ± 0.180 (cubs), 0.686 ± 0.157 (ages 1–4), and 0.967 ± 0.043 (ages 5+). Mean litter size was 1.67 ± 0.08 cubs. Females did not reproduce until at least age 6, which is late compared to other populations of polar bears. The model-averaged, mark–recapture estimate of mean abundance (±1 SE) for years 1994–1997 was 164 ± 35 bears. We incorporated demographic parameters and their variances into a harvest risk analysis (i.e., a stochastic, harvested population viability analysis, PVA). Results suggest that polar bears in the region were severely over-harvested during the mark–recapture interval (1992–1997). The current status of the population is unknown.     

Plasma biochemical values from apparently healthy free-ranging polar bears from Svalbard

To establish reference values for free-ranging polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard, Norway, plasma samples from 15 females and 20 males were analyzed for 28 blood biochemistry parameters. Animals were chemically immobilized (Zoletil: tiletamine and zolazepam) on land at Barents?ya, Edge?ya, and the eastern coast of Spitsbergen in August 1998. All bears were apparently healthy, with ages ranging from 1-22 yr. Females had almost two times higher levels of lipase than males. Several parameters varied with age. Levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium (Ca) decreased with age, being significantly higher in young individuals (< 6 yr) compared to middle-aged (6-13 yr) and older bears (> 13 yr). Globulin was lower in animals < 6 yr of age than in animals > 13 yr of age, while the opposite was the case for albumin. Levels of ALP, Ca, and potassium decreased with age. We found no significant changes in total protein correlated to age, but total protein levels were higher in obese compared to lean individuals. Further, total protein levels were slightly lower and had greater variation compared to data from polar bears in captivity, which may reflect food availability for the latter group. The mean ratio between urea and creatinine was 10.9 and indicated these bears were fasting. These data provide a baseline from which to compare biochemical parameters in captive and free-ranging polar bears and will be especially valuable for future studies of polar bears at Svalbard.     

Serum α- and γ-tocopherols, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and carotenoid concentrations in captive and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Concentrations of retinol, retinyl palmitate, β-carotene, α-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol were measured in blood samples collected from 15 captive and 55 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). From June 1991 to June 1994, blood samples were collected from captive animals residing at two locations; at Seven Seas (Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL) and Hawk’s Cay (Marathon Key, FL). Blood samples were collected from free-ranging animals from June 1991 to June 1996. Retinol levels were not significantly different between captive dolphin groups. However, Seven Seas animals had higher (P<0.01) serum retinol concentrations compared to free-ranging animals (0.061 vs 0.041 μg/ml). Retinyl palmitate was not detected in the serum of captive or free-ranging dolphins. Alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher for Seven Seas dolphins (16.4 μg/ml) than for Hawk’s Cay (13.0 μg/ml) and free-ranging dolphins (12.5 μg/ml). Gamma-tocopherol concentrations were similar among captive and free-ranging dolphins. Free-ranging dolphins showed levels of circulating carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) while the captive animals did not. Additional carotenoids (lycopene, α-carotene and cryptoxanthin) were analyzed but not detected in any samples. Serum vitamin differences between captive and free-ranging dolphins may reflect the natural diet or indicate some potential biological or nutritional status significance.     

Reproductive biology and ecology of female polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

Data on age-specific natality rates, litter size, interbirth interval, age of first reproduction, reproductive senescence, age of weaning and cub survival were determined for a free-ranging population of polar bears inhabiting Hudson Bay, Canada, near the southern limit of the species range. Serum progesterone levels were also determined for females at different stages of their reproductive cycle to provide corroborative support for the reproductive parameters described. Animals were live captured using immobilizing drugs and each animal uniquely marked for future identification. First parturition occurred at four or five years of age and the age-specific natality rate increased with age until approximately 20 years, after which it dropped markedly. At least 40% of adult females displayed two-year interbirth intervals and 55% of cubs in their second year were independent of their mother. Mean size of cub litters in spring was 1.9 and 13% of litters had three or more cubs. The natality rate for 5–20-year-old females was estimated as 0.9, higher than that reported for any more northerly polar bear populations where two-year interbirth intervals are rare, fewer than 5% of yearling cubs are weaned and triplet litters occur with less than 1% frequency. Cub mortality was initially high and declined with age. Although cubs in western Hudson Bay were weaned at a younger age and a lighter weight than their counterparts in more northern populations, cub mortality rates were similar. The reason for the marked differences in reproductive parameters in the western Hudson Bay population is not known. We speculate that sea-ice conditions may be sufficiently different to allow weaned bears at a lighter body weight to hunt seals more successfully there than further north.     

Comparative analysis of fecal microbiota and intestinal microbial metabolic activity in captive polar bears

The composition of the intestinal microbiota depends on gut physiology and diet. Ursidae possess a simple gastrointestinal system composed of a stomach, small intestine, and indistinct hindgut. This study determined the composition and stability of fecal microbiota of 3 captive polar bears by group-specific quantitative PCR and PCR-DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) using the 16S rRNA gene as target. Intestinal metabolic activity was determined by analysis of short-chain fatty acids in feces. For comparison, other Carnivora and mammals were included in this study. Total bacterial abundance was approximately log 8.5 DNA gene copies·(g feces)-1 in all 3 polar bears. Fecal polar bear microbiota was dominated by the facultative anaerobes Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci, and the Clostridium cluster I. The detection of the Clostridium perfringens α-toxin gene verified the presence of C.?perfringens. Composition of the fecal bacterial population was stable on a genus level; according to results obtained by PCR-DGGE, dominant bacterial species fluctuated. The total short-chain fatty acid content of Carnivora and other mammals analysed was comparable; lactate was detected in feces of all carnivora but present only in trace amounts in other mammals. In comparison, the fecal microbiota and metabolic activity of captive polar bears mostly resembled the closely related grizzly and black bears.     

Short-term behavioural response of polar bears (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ursus maritimus</Emphasis>) to snowmobile disturbance

In this study the distance, at which polar bears detected and actively responded to approaching snowmobiles was measured and the behavioural response was recorded. The study was performed on Svalbard, an arctic island where human traffic has increased substantially in recent years. Fieldwork was conduced in April and/or May during the years 2003–2005. Polar bears were observed on ice with telescopes and binoculars. Undisturbed polar bears were observed continuously and their behaviours recorded, during the time when two snowmobiles moved toward the bear(s). Distances between the bear, the observer, and the approaching snowmobiles were measured using GPS positions taken on the track towards the bear. Data on the behavioural response of 20 encounters with bears were collected. On average, bears were alerted to the snowmobiles at 1,164 m. Mean distance at which the locomotive response occurred was 843 m, and there was a statistical significant difference in distance between sex and age classes [326 m (95% CI = 138–496 m) for adult males; 1,534 m (95% CI = 508–2,768 m) for adult females with cubs; 164 m (95% CI = 49–543 m) for two adult females without cubs; and 1,160 m (95% CI = 375–1,353 m) for single medium sized bears]. The responses of the polar bears to the snowmobiles were categorized according to intensity and persistence of reactions. Females with cubs and single medium sized bears tended to show more intense responses than adult males and lone adult females. Wind direction affects sound and odour transmission, and although an effect on response distance was not found, the response intensity was affected by wind direction. We conclude that female polar bears with small cubs in particular may have a greater risk to be disturbed, since they react at greater distances with amplified reactions; thus, users of snowmobiles should take particular care in areas where females with cubs are present.     

Demography and population viability of polar bears in the Gulf of Boothia, Nunavut

We estimated demographic parameters and harvest risks for polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) inhabiting the Gulf of Boothia, Nunavut, from 1976 to 2000. We computed survival and abundance from capture–recapture and recovery data (630 marks) using a Burnham joint live–dead model implemented in program MARK. Annual mean total survival (including harvest) was 0.889 ± 0.179 (± 1 SE) for cubs, 0.883 ± 0.087 for subadults (ages 1–4), 0.919 ± 0.044 for adult females, and 0.917 ± 0.041 for adult males. Abundance in the last 3 yr of study was 1,592 ± 361 bears. Mean size of newborn litters was 1.648 ± 0.098 cubs. By age 7, 0.97 ± 0.30 of available females were producing litters. Harvest averaged 38.4 ± 4.2 bears/year in the last 5 yr of study; however, the 2002–2007 kill averaged 56.4 bears/yr. We used a harvested Population Viability Analysis (PVA) to examine impacts of increasing rates of harvest. We estimated the current population growth rate, λ _H , to be 1.025 ± 0.032. Although this suggests the population is growing, progressive environmental changes may require more frequent population inventory studies to maintain the same levels of harvest risk.     

Stereotypies in polar bears

The spatial and temporal patterns of stereotypies in three captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were analysed. There was considerable variation in the time budgets of the three animals: stereotypies made up 16.0%, 24.4 %, and 76.5 % of the observation time between 8.00 A.M. and 4.00 P.M. Stereotyped walking or swimming bouts were of significantly longer duration than variable walking or swimming bouts. Seventy-five bouts of stereotyped walking were observed in detail to test the hypothesis that stereotypies can reduce arousal level. The bouts were composed of regular laps. At a given site, each lap consisted of a fixed number of steps, and there was little variation in the duration of a lap. In one individual the walking speed decreased significantly in the course of stereotyped walking bouts. Generally, however, stereotyped walking bouts were not preceded by high activity levels and followed by low activity levels. Stereotyped walking was regularly associated with yawning and tongue-flicking. Qualitative observations suggest that polar bears remain attentive while stereotyping. It is hypothesized that stereotyped walking in polar bears does not originate from frustrated migratory activity, but from frustrated appetitive behavior.     

Vitamin A concentrations in serum and liver from Florida panthers

Many of the anomalies and clinical signs afflicting the Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) are suggestive of vitamin A deficiency. Our objectives in this study were to determine if a vitamin A deficiency exists in the free-ranging panther population and to determine if there are differences in vitamin A levels among various subgroups of free-ranging panthers. Retinol concentrations were used as an index to Vitamin A concentrations and were determined in serum and liver from free-ranging (serum, n = 45; liver, n = 22) and captive (serum, n = 9; liver, n = 2) juvenile and adult Florida panthers from southern peninsular Florida (USA), and in liver from free-ranging cougars (F. concolor subspp.) from Washington (USA) and Texas (USA) between November 1984 and March 1994. Combined juvenile (6- to 24-mo-old) and adult (> 24-mo-old) free-ranging Florida panthers had mean +/- SD serum retinol concentrations of 772.5 +/- 229 pmol/ml. Adult free-ranging Florida panthers had mean liver retinol concentrations of 4794.5 +/- 3747 nmol/g. Free-ranging nursing Florida panther kittens (age < 1 mo) had mean serum retinol concentrations of 397.9 +/- 69 pmol/ml. Among subgroups of free-ranging Florida panthers, females had higher corrected mean serum retinol concentrations than males and adult free-ranging Florida panthers had higher mean liver retinol concentrations than juveniles. Retinol concentrations in free-ranging Florida panthers did not differ significantly from those in captive panthers (liver and serum) or other free-ranging cougars (liver). Based on limited published values and our controls, a vitamin A deficiency could not be demonstrated in the Florida panther population nor were any subgroups or individuals considered deficient.     

Non-invasive detection of candidate pregnancy protein biomarkers in the feces of captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

Currently, there is no method of accurately and non-invasively diagnosing pregnancy in polar bears. Specific proteins may exhibit altered profiles in the feces of pregnant bears, but predicting appropriate candidate proteins to investigate is speculative at best. The objective of this study was to identify potential pregnancy biomarker proteins based on their increased abundance in the feces of pregnant polar bears compared to pseudopregnant females (controls) using two-dimensional in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry (MS). Three 2D-DIGE gels were performed to evaluate fecal protein profiles from controls (n = 3) and pregnant polar bears (n = 3). There were 2224.67 ± 52.39 (mean ± SEM) spots resolved per gel. Of these, only five proteins were elevated in the pregnant group (P < 0.05), and seven additional spots tended to be higher (0.05 < P < 0.10). All 12 were submitted for MS analysis and the identities of 11 were ascertained with a >99.9% confidence interval. The 11 spots represented seven distinct proteins, five of which were significantly more abundant in the pregnant group: IgGFc-binding protein, filamin-C, carboxypeptidase B, transthyretin, and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region. To our knowledge, this was the first study that employed 2D-DIGE to identify differentially expressed proteins in fecal samples to characterize a physiological condition other than those related to gastrointestinal disorders. These promising results provided a strong foundation for ensuing efforts to develop a non-invasive pregnancy assay for use in both captive and wild polar bears.     

Blood chemistry of black bears from Pennsylvania during winter dormancy

Twenty-four serum chemistries were measured in blood samples collected from 20 adult female black bears (Ursus americanus) and their offspring, including 14 yearlings and 37 cubs, in northeastern Pennsylvania during winter 1984. Four other captive adult females were bled before, during, and after they were subjected to unseasonably warm temperatures during February. Levels of serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and creatinine were lower (P less than 0.05), and iron was higher (P less than 0.05) in male cubs compared to female cubs; serum chemistries were similar (P greater than or equal to 0.05) between sexes for yearlings. Total protein, albumin and creatinine levels increased with age of bears, whereas chloride, alkaline phosphatase, potassium, inorganic phosphorus and SUN/creatinine were higher (P less than 0.05) in cubs than in yearlings and adults. The relatively high serum calcium in cubs was probably related to rapid bone development and dietary intake of calcium during winter dormancy in cubs. Low serum calcium in adults was attributed to lactation and a lack of dietary intake. Urea/creatinine ratios averaged 5.5 and 4.6 for yearling females and males, respectively, 6.3 for adult females, and 29.0 and 22.8 for female and male cubs, respectively. Levels of serum chemistries of black bears apparently are relatively stable during winter denning, when bears are without food or water and do not urinate or defecate for several months. This stability indicates that black bears are resistant to the extremes in extrinsic environmental conditions. Abnormal blood chemistry values may indicate metabolic stresses that are not being controlled by bears.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Issues of choice and control in the behaviour of a pair of captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

Stereotyped behaviour occurs in a wide variety of captive animals including ursids. The provision of animal control over aspects of their environment by providing choices is a critical element for improving welfare. The behaviour of two sibling polar bears at a metropolitan zoo was examined to investigate the effect of providing access to their indoor, off-exhibit holding space. Both bears demonstrated behavioural changes when given the choice to access their indoor dens including decreased stereotyped behaviours and increased social play. These results, although based on just two bears, provide additional support for the assertion that choice and control are closely tied to issues of well-being for captive animals.     

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard and East Greenland

Serum samples from 419 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard and the Barents Sea (collected 1990-2000) and 108 polar bears from East Greenland (collected 1999-2004) were assayed for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the modified agglutination test. Antibody prevalences were 3.6% among cubs dependent on their mothers and 21.4% among subadults and adults. Among subadults and adults there was an interaction between population and sex, with similar prevalences among females (Svalbard = 19.5%, Greenland = 18.0%), but a high frequency among Svalbard males (28.7%) as compared to Greenland males (5.8%). The pattern was also significant after correcting for differences in age distribution. The sex-population interaction term is believed to be connected to area- and sex-specific feeding ecology. The prevalences of antibodies against T. gondii in Svalbard and Greenland were high compared to previously reported findings in polar bears from Russian and Alaskan areas.     

Serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and carotenoid concentrations in captive and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Concentrations of retinol, retinyl palmitate, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, alpha-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol were measured in blood samples collected from 15 captive and 55 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). From June 1991 to June 1994, blood samples were collected from captive animals residing at two locations; at Seven Seas (Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL) and Hawk's Cay (Marathon Key, FL). Blood samples were collected from free-ranging animals from June 1991 to June 1996. Retinol levels were not significantly different between captive dolphin groups. However, Seven Seas animals had higher (P < 0.01) serum retinol concentrations compared to free-ranging animals (0.061 vs 0.041 microgram/ml). Retinyl palmitate was not detected in the serum of captive or free-ranging dolphins. Alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for Seven Seas dolphins (16.4 micrograms/ml) than for Hawk's Cay (13.0 micrograms/ml) and free-ranging dolphins (12.5 micrograms/ml). Gamma-tocopherol concentrations were similar among captive and free-ranging dolphins. Free-ranging dolphins showed levels of circulating carotenoids (lutein and beta-carotene) while the captive animals did not. Additional carotenoids (lycopene, alpha-carotene and cryptoxanthin) were analyzed but not detected in any samples. Serum vitamin differences between captive and free-ranging dolphins may reflect the natural diet or indicate some potential biological or nutritional status significance.     

Temporal change in the morphometry–body mass relationship of polar bears

Accurate information on animal body mass is often an essential component of wildlife research and management. However, for many large-bodied species, obtaining direct scale weights from individuals may be difficult. In these cases, morphometric equations (e.g., based on girth or length) may provide accurate and precise estimates of body mass. We developed predictive equations to estimate the body mass of free-ranging polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in western Hudson Bay, Canada. Using multiple linear and non-linear regression, we identified a strong relationship between polar bear body weight and linear measures of straight line length and axillary girth. The mass–morphometry relationship appeared to change over time and we developed separate equations for polar bears measured during 2 time periods, 1980–1996 and 2007–2009. Non-linear models were more accurate and provided body mass estimates within 5.8% (R² = 0.98) and 6.1% (R² = 0.98) of scale weight in the earlier and later time periods, respectively. Earlier equations developed for polar bears in this subpopulation performed poorly when applied to recently sampled individuals. In contrast, some contemporary equations from other regions performed reasonably well, suggesting that temporal changes within a subpopulation may be more pronounced than regional differences and can render earlier predictive equations obsolete. Our results have important implications for current and future studies of polar bear body condition and the effects of ongoing climate warming. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Vitamin D content in Alaskan Arctic zooplankton,fishes, and marine mammals

We postulated that dietary ingestion of vitamin D may be used by some Alaskan Arctic marine mammal species in addition to, or instead of, cutaneous production to meet nutritional requirements. Zooplankton (n=5) sampled near Kaktovik, Alaska, contained no measurable vitamin D₂ or D₃, but did contain provitamin D (7‐dehydrocholesterol), the cutaneous precursor for previtamin D₃ in mammals. Fillets and livers from five fish species were sampled near Barrow, Alaska, and evaluated for vitamin D₃ content (no vitamin D₂ was detected). Differences in vitamin D₃ content appeared significant (P≤0.10) among fish livers (Kruskal‐Wallis [H test]=8.25, df=4, P=0.08) and among fish fillets (H=7.80, df=4, P=0.01). We also found significant differences in several pairwise comparisons (Mann‐Whitney U‐test) of vitamin D₃ levels in fillets and livers. Blubber from six species of marine mammals had no detectable vitamin D₂. The H test results for blubber vitamin D₃ concentration were highly significant: 28.12, df=5, P<0.001. There were also significant differences in vitamin D₃ content from blubber in pairwise comparisons of primarily invertebrate feeders (bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) [mean=4.20 SD±1.10 ng/g], and Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) [5.43±2.82 ng/g]) vs. primarily piscivorous feeders (ringed seal (Phoca hispida) [746.57±493.00 ng/g] and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) [426.00±174.92 ng/g]) and a semiaquatic terrestrial carnivore (polar bear (Ursus maritimus) [406.17±311.70 ng/g]). The bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) had intermediate blubber vitamin D₃ concentration (156.83±139.25 ng/g), which may reflect an intermediate‐type feeding strategy or an artifact of the small sample size. Zoo Biol 23:33–43, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Seropositivity for different pathogens in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Barents Sea Islands

Analysis of serum prevalence of antibodies to six pathogens was performed in 26 polar bears from the Barents Sea population. Animals seropositive for the viruses of pseudorabies, canine distemper, and influenza A, Dirofilaria sp., Trichinella spiralis, and Toxoplasma gondii were revealed, with prevalence of antibodies to T. spiralis being the highest. Most of them were adult bears, while cubs (under 1 year of age) proved to be seronegative for all pathogens.