Aspects of the content of exotic animals in captivityThere are a multitude of aspects that contribute to the care and well-being of exotic animals in captivity. Husbandry is one of the most crucial aspects of their care. Animal husbandry is defined as the culture of animal production [1]. Many aspects are encompassed by the term “livestock”, including: nutrition, environment, behavior and disease prevention/control [2]. Without these aspects of animal care, the incidence of stress, disease and death would increase significantly within captive animal populations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Captive animals are generally expected to be able to maintain a longer life expectancy than wild animals. However, to achieve this, proper breeding practices must be put in place to provide the animals with everything they need. One aspect of breeding that is paramount to their well-being and longevity is nutrition. The diets of exotic and wild species are particularly crucial because of the need to mimic the diet found in nature. These diets were developed by observing wild habits, oral morphology, gastrointestinal tract morphology, research on nutrient requirements, and practical experience [3]. Although we try to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible, the food that is typically included in nature's animal diet is not commercially available. Therefore, our job is to use human agricultural products [4]. If diets are not formulated, prepared and presented correctly, the animal may experience nutritional deficits. Although additional supplementation to the diet is not always necessary, it is usually included regardless. It is important to note that excessive supplementation of any nutrient is possible and can potentially cause toxic effects [3]. Without proper nutrition, animals are predisposed to illnesses caused not only by dietary deficiencies or excesses, but they may also be more susceptible to other illnesses due to poor general health. Another aspect of animal husbandry that can have a huge impact on health. and the welfare of exotic animals in captivity is stress. It has been studied in many species that being in captivity can increase levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Studies on species such as cheetah, captive black rhinos, African green monkeys and armadillos have shown that captivity can cause serious systemic changes that can affect their health [5]. Chronically stressed animals can face a number of health problems. The immediate effects of stress are well known; they usually involve cellular changes such as high white blood cell counts (leukocytosis), high neutrophil counts (neutrophils), and low lymphocyte counts (lymphopenia) [6]. However, the long-term effects of stress on the body can cause more serious effects. and permanent changes. Some of the changes visible in captive animals are hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. This indicates that the animal is under chronic stress and has higher production and therefore circulation of corticosteroid hormone levels [5]. Animal studies have shown that exposure to excessive stress can have effects on the body such as a delay inwound healing. It can also negatively impact an animal's gut health, something we already need to consider when formulating diets for captive species, and it can also have effects on the cardiovascular system [6]. This means that animals under chronic stress may be prone to more illnesses and complications over the course of their lives, leading to an increase in the number and type of veterinary care that may be needed. Behavior-based breeding is multifaceted. This can range from providing an animal with the enrichment of a tree for climbing to training it to present limbs for blood tests or other medical procedures. “Behavior-based breeding integrates all elements of good animal welfare, good health, psychological well-being and natural behavioral expression” [7]. This is a combination of not only aspects of the environment such as the design of their enclosure, but also their interactions with people such as their keepers and with each other. These aspects of behavior-based breeding can help reduce the animal's stress level, which can also help improve its quality of life. However, it is also important to present animals with challenges such as placing their food in different areas of the enclosure or opportunities for social interaction, so that the animal can continue to be mentally stimulated [7]. may help decrease the likelihood or severity of outings or neurotic behaviors such as pacing or potentially dangerous self-injurious activities (such as excessive grooming). Animals also generally must be trained to tolerate medical procedures, while humans may be cooperative with activities such as physical examinations and administering medications, these activities may be foreign and therefore frightening to an animal. Some behaviors that can be taught to these animals include placing themselves in a specific area for x-rays or even presenting offspring that may require medical attention [8]. All of these aspects of behavioral breeding can help enrich the lives of animals and improve the quality of their care. Disease control and prevention is probably one of the most crucial aspects of animal husbandry. “With the movement of animals and agents across the world, explosive outbreaks can occur, unless those responsible are aware of which species may be closely associated and follow appropriate husbandry practices and quarantine procedures " [2]. Because animals in captivity may have contact with substrates, animals, environments, and people that they would not normally have, they may be exposed to more and different diseases than they would be in nature. So our job is to make sure that they are as well prepared. as possible by administering vaccines and following quarantine and isolation protocols if necessary. Each facility has its own protocols for quarantine and isolation, but the overall goal is to help minimize the risk and incidence of disease within their population. Aspects of captivity that play a role in increasing disease risk include local wildlife, human interaction, and illegal wildlife trade. For example, in 1999, many crows in New York State were dying from a new, unknown disease (later determined to be West Nile virus), and this posed a threat to captive animals in these areas.