A wildebeest with stinky feet.

Odor Compounds Produced: • Isovaleric acid – sweaty cheese scent • Acetic acid – sour, vinegar-like odor • Dimethyl disulfide – strong, sulfur smell • Methanethiol – rotten cabbage or garlic scent • Butyric acid – rancid butter or vomit smell

Fungi Associated with Wildebeest Foot Odor:

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes: Common in hoof rot and athlete’s foot; causes musty, moldy smells.
• Candida albicans: A yeast that thrives in moist crevices, creating sour or vinegary odors.
• Aspergillus niger: Grows on decaying matter; releases earthy, sharp, sometimes metallic odors.
• Epidermophyton floccosum: Causes skin and hoof infections; brings a damp, rotten smell.

Bacteria Associated with Wildebeest Foot Odor:

• Staphylococcus epidermidis: Breaks down sweat and oils, producing isovaleric acid (cheesy/sweaty odor).
• Corynebacterium: Known for strong, pungent smells; involved in foot and armpit odor in animals.
• Brevibacterium linens: Famous for its cheese-like smell; thrives on hoof surfaces and causes stink.
• Micrococcus luteus: Contributes to musty or stale odors; found on skin and hooves.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Produces fruity or grape-like odor; grows in moist, dirty environments.
• Actinomyces: Breaks down organic matter; can create earthy, sour foot smells.

The causes of gnu’s foot odor:

• Bacteria.
• Fungi.
• Sweat.
• Environmental triggers.
• Poor hoof hygiene.