Phases III and beyond...
Vitamin & Mineral Status in Free-Range Gliders
Testing free range sugar gliders to evaluate vitamin and mineral status in their natural habitat. Blood samples will be collected and analysed to assist in determining some target ranges for our captive gliders. These data will be compiled with the data obtained from Phase I and Phase II, and any subsequent phases. We are currently working toward the assistance from professionals in Australia and/or Indonesia to begin this phase.
If you, or you know someone in Australia and/or Indonesia that may be able to assist, please CONTACT US.
If you, or you know someone in Australia and/or Indonesia that may be able to assist, please CONTACT US.
Future phases of the Sugar Glider Nutrition Project have not been determined at this time. Additional testing recommendations are:
- Mineral content of native Acacia gums consumed by gliders should be quantified. Methods and products to increase gum feeding by captive gliders must be developed to enhance digestive function, as well as to highlight natural behaviors.
- Limiting amino acids in captive sugar glider diets should be identified, and balance in commercial products should be adjusted to optimize protein nutrition.
- Vitamin D, Ca, and P metabolism and interactions in sugar gliders, because osteodystrophy and calcium tetany can still be problematic. We need to identify whether gliders have the enzyme for making their own vitamin C as do many animals.
- Overall physiology needs to be investigated in more detail.