Study

Transit time and digestibility of two experimental diets in the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and domestic dog (Canis lupus)

  • Published source details Childs‐Sanford S.E. & Angel C.R. (2006) Transit time and digestibility of two experimental diets in the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and domestic dog (Canis lupus). Zoo Biology, 25, 369-381.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Carnivores: Feed a plant-derived protein diet

Action Link
Management of Captive Animals
  1. Carnivores: Feed a plant-derived protein diet

     A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2006 of maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus and domestic dogs Canis lupus in a research centre in the USA found that feeding maned wolves a plant-derived protein diet resulted in higher energy digestibility and dry matter digestibility but lower mineral retention compared to an animal-based protein diet. When maned wolves were fed a plant-derived protein diet, apparent digestible energy (3,510 kcal/kg) and apparent dry matter digestibility (67%) were higher compared to an animal-based protein diet (apparent digestible energy: 3,331 kcal/kg; apparent dry matter digestibility: 65%). Apparent retention was lower on the plant-derived protein diet for copper (7% vs 12%), iron (9% vs 12%), magnesium (26% vs 32%) and sodium (42% vs 53%). The plant-derived protein diet had previously been shown to raise the low urine pH associated with the renal disorder cystinuria in maned wolves. Diet did not affect transit time. Six wolves and six dogs were randomly assigned to be fed a diet containing plant-derived protein (soybean meal) or animal-based protein (meat meal and low ash poultry meat meal) for a period of 16 days. After 16 days, the animals were switched to the alternative diet. Faecal samples were collected on two consecutive days immediately after 12 days of being fed the diets. Dry matter, energy, protein, and minerals contained in the faeces were measured and chromic oxide was used as a marker to detect digestibility.

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