Abstract:
The combination of midazolam, medetomidine and azaperone (MMA) was compared with the combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (BAM) for the sedation of southern Ground-hornbills when administered orally in a bait. The BAM combination (30 mg butorphanol, 12 mg azaperone and 12 mg medetomidine per ml of solution) at a dose of 0.14 ml/kg was the only combination that did not result in re-sedation after reversal. However, induction of sedation was long, and sedation was only deep enough for capture, handling, and minor, non-invasive procedures. The MMA combination and higher doses of the BAM combination resulted in quicker inductions although individuals showed mild to severe signs of re-sedation, starting at 4 hours after reversal and continuing for as long as 17 hours after reversal. Care should therefore be taken when administering these combinations orally to southern Ground-hornbills as it appears that absorption, metabolism and excretion are unpredictable in this species.
