Data from: An insight into vitamin E and lipid nutrition of the plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus

Vitamin E, as α-tocopherol, is an essential antioxidant protecting the
body from free radicals. The vitamin E requirement of managed wildlife
species is known to be greater than their wild counterparts, predominantly
due to higher dietary lipid content and potentially stressful
environments. The plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus, Family
Pedionomidae [monotypical]) is a critically endangered, superficially
quail-like bird that is the focus of an ongoing captive breeding program
in Australia. It is estimated that plains-wanderers have a high vitamin E
requirement (compared to domestic poultry species) to offset a high lipid
diet and their naturally flighty temperament. This study therefore aims to
gain a greater understanding of the nutritional status and vitamin E
requirements of plains-wanderers in managed environments. Total lipid and
α-tocopherol intake were quantified for 26 zoo-managed plains-wanderers
over a series of diet intake trials in addition to measurement of plasma
α-tocopherol and cholesterol concentrations. Plains-wanderers that
consumed higher portions of dietary fat had significantly lower
circulating α-tocopherol concentrations than birds that consumed lower
total dietary fat (p < 0.001). Additionally, plasma cholesterol
concentrations of managed plains-wanderers were found to be significantly
greater than all other bird species reviewed, irrespective of Family or
feeding type. We also present the first published data quantifying the
nutritional makeup of stomach contents of a wild plains-wanderer for use
as a potential guide for diet formulation. This study forms a vital
foundational insight into the nutritional management of plains-wanderers,
but further research is required to understand their dietary habits and
cholesterol metabolism.