Cataracts and Strabismus Associated with Hand Rearing Using Artificial Milk Formulas in Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris Spp Tigris) Cubs

The study investigated cataracts, strabismus, and alopecia in four Bengal tiger cubs fed artificial milk formulas, compared to two naturally nursed cubs. The artificially fed cubs developed severe health issues, which were linked to significantly lower levels of essential amino acids (taurine, arginine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and histidine) in the artificial formulas. The research emphasized the need for proper nutritional formulations in artificial milk to prevent such conditions and highlighted the importance of dietary management in captive breeding programs. Limitations included a small sample size and analysis from only one tigress.