Nutrient digestibility in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) fed diets containing animal meals

Abstract

Three digestibility experiments on Arctic foxes were carried out. Control groups were fed standard diets (C1 and C2) composed of fresh or frozen animal by-products and steamed ground grain. Dry experimental diets (E1 and E2) contained animal meals, extracted meals and fat, were mixed with water prior to administration. In a preliminary experiment, the digestibility of dry diet E1 moistened with water for 15min and 24h was compared to determine the optimum moistening time during the experimental period proper. The preliminary experiment showed that moistening time had no significant effect on digestibility. In the main experiment, two independent digestibility trials were performed to compare the digestibility of diets fed to foxes during growth (C1 vs. E1) and fur development (C2 vs. E2). Better nutrient digestibility was noted for control diets, compared to experimental. The greatest differences were reported for total protein digestibility. Protein contained in meals undergoes denaturation during heat treatment, which reduces digestibility. It was found that the retention of nitrogen in relation to nitrogen digestion was higher in foxes fed experimental diets (E1 and E2). Keywords: Vulpes lagopus, feeding, digestibility, animal meal RESUMO Realizaram-se três ensaios de digestibilidade em raposas polares. Os grupos controles receberam dietaspadrão (C1 e C2) compostas por subprodutos de origem animal frescos ou congelados e sementes de cereais em grão. As dietas secas (E1, E2) usadas nos ensaios que continham farinha de origem animal e sementes em grãos extrudadas eram hidratadas antes de administradas. Em ensaio preliminar, avaliouse a digestibilidade da dieta seca E1, submetida a 15 minutos e a 24 horas de hidratação. Verificou-se que o tempo de hidratação não influenciou a digestão. No experimento principal, foram realizados dois ensaios para comparar a digestibilidade das dietas fornecidas às raposas no período de crescimento (C1 vs E1) e no desenvolvimento de pelo (C2 vs E2

Nutrient digestibility and colonic fermentation processes in species of the families Mustelidae and Canidae fed the same diet

“…The digestibility coefficients determined in our experiment remain within the physiological ranges reported in previous studies of mink and foxes. It should be noted that digestibility coefficients are affected by biological differences between species (as stated in the Introduction section) and by numerous nutritional factors such as the chemical composition of diets, feed ingredients, additives and preservatives (Ahlstrom and Skrede, ; Denstadli et al, ; Zhang et al, ; Wu et al, ), the physical form and processing of feeds of animal and plant origin (Ljokjel et al, ; Gugołek et al, ). The age of animals is another important consideration (Fahey et al, ).…”

“…In carnivores, digestibility trials are usually performed on animals raised on fur farms, such as the American mink ( Neovison vison ) and the Arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus ) (Ahlstrom and Skrede, ; Lorek et al, ; Ahlstrom et al, ; Burlikowska and Szymeczko, ; Denstadli et al, ; Gugołek et al, , ; Zhang et al, ; Wu et al, ). Both species are also used as animal models in nutrition studies of companion animals, including dogs, cats, and ferrets (Ahlstrom and Skrede, ; Krogdahl et al, ; Vhile et al, ; Sundling et al, ; Tjernsbekk et al, ).…”

Effects of dietary copper supplementation on nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical indices, and growth rate of young female mink (Neovison vison)

“…A major factor influencing the digestibility of nutrients (in particular protein) is the diet composition. It has been found that in another fur animal species, the Arctic fox, nutrients from diets composed of animal meals are characterized by lower digestibility than components of fresh feed (Vhile et al 2005;Gugolek et al 2010). In addition, another factor influencing the digestibility of nutrients is the fat : carbohydrate (F : C) ratio.…”

Effects of zinc sources and levels on zinc bioavailability, blood parameters, and nutrient balance of male mink (Neovison vison)

“…This is likely due to the difference in feed types and composition of diets between those trials and our experiment. It has been found that in another fur animal species, the Arctic fox, nutrients from diets composed of animal meals were characterized by low digestibility than components of fresh feed (Gugolek et al 2010). In this study, a dry diet, which is widely used in China, was used for its stable nutrient contents.…”