Feasibility of Using Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Predict the Chemical Composition of Giraffe ( <i>Giraffa camelopardalis</i> ) Faeces

To determine the feasibility of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the measurement of certain chemical compounds, a collection of both representative spectral data and reference measurements from many samples (training set) should be compared as part of a screening process. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of developing a rapid prediction of the chemical composition of faeces collected from populations of free‐roaming giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis ), located within the central Free State Province of South Africa. Faecal NIRS and chemical analysis data were compared via regression analyses ( r 2 ) to determine the feasibility of each chemical (chemometric) parameter. Acceptable high ( r 2 ≥ 0.8) degrees of screening feasibility for crude protein ( r 2 = 0.84; RMSE = 1.10) and acid‐detergent lignin ( r 2 = 0.83; RSME = 2.26) were achieved. Spectral data differences are also illustrated based on faeces collected from giraffes provided with supplemental feed or only natural available vegetation, as well as during the dry and wet seasons. This study is the first to screen for the feasibility of developing a NIRS model to determine nutritional status, health and growth performance of giraffes by using faecal droppings. The application of faecal NIRS would most certainly have numerous benefits for wildlife conservation and management.