NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF FOOD ITEMS CONSUMED BY ANTILLEAN MANATEES (Trichechus manatus manatus) ALONG THE COAST OF PARAIBA, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

This study assessed the nutritional composition of 31 food items consumed by Antillean manatees in the estuary of the Mamanguape River Mouth, state of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil. Samples were collected during dry and rainy seasons, and analysed levels of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and mineral matter. Brown algae had higher neutral detergent fiber content (up to 60,68%) than observed in mangroves (up to 59,99%), but lower than the highest values found in aquatic macrophytes (up to 74,99%) and Halodule wrightii (up to 69,04%). When this marine angiosperm is not readily available and Antillean manatees can access the margins, Rhizophora mangle roots and Blutaparon portulacoides and Sesuvium portulacastrum stems can supplement a fiber-rich diet, with 59,99%, 48,96% and 47,45% fiber, respectively. Supplementation in fresh water can be attained by eating mangrove leaves, since those have a high moisture content, up to 77,81%. The highest values of protein (up to 29,55%) were found in Hypnea musciformis, especially in the rainy season. Nutritional composition of the food may vary with geographic location and the method of collecting, drying and washing the material. This study may support other studies on the nutritional requirements of Antillean manatees in Brazil and assist in the development of basic maintenance diets for captive animals.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the nutritional composition of 31 food items consumed by Antillean manatees in the estuary of the Mamanguape River Mouth in Paraiba, Brazil. Brown algae had the highest neutral detergent fiber content, while Rhizophora mangle roots and various plant stems could supplement a fiber-rich diet. Protein content varied among different plant species, with Hypnea musciformis having the highest values, especially in the rainy season.