Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics are different among captive exotic felids fed a beef‐based raw diet

Abstract

Nutrient digestibility has not been well characterized in exotic felids. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate differences in nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics in five large exotic captive felid species, including bobcats, jaguars, cheetahs, Indochinese tigers, and Siberian tigers. All animals were individually housed and adapted to a beef-based raw diet (Nebraska Brand((R)) Special Beef Feline, North Platte, NE) for 16 d. Total fecal collections were conducted from days 17 to 20. Fecal samples were weighed and scored on collection. Diet and fecal samples were evaluated for dry matter, organic matter, protein, fat, and energy to determine total tract digestibility. Fresh fecal samples were collected to determine fecal pH, ammonia, phenol, indole, short-chain fatty acid, and branched-chain fatty acid concentrations. Fecal scores were greater (P<0.01) in Indochinese tigers when compared with all other species, and cheetahs had greater (P<0.01) fecal scores than jaguars and bobcats. Fat digestibility was greater (P<0.01) in Siberian tigers, Indochinese tigers, and bobcats (96%) compared with cheetahs and jaguars (94%). Digestible energy was greater (P<0.05) in bobcats and Indochinese tigers at 93.5 and 92.9%, respectively, compared with cheetahs and jaguars, 91.6%. Fecal pH was greater (P<0.01) in bobcats compared with all other species evaluated. Indole concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in cheetahs and jaguars compared with bobcats and Indochinese tigers. Fecal ammonia concentrations were increased (P<0.05) in cheetahs compared with all other species. The beef-based raw diet was highly digestible; however, differences in fat and digestible energy suggest that species should be considered when determining caloric needs of exotic felids. Zoo Biol 27:126-136, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Carnivorous mammals: nutrient digestibility and energy evaluation

“…Data from Vester et al [2008] appear to indicate a higher capability of smaller felids for the digestion of TDF components (Fig. 7), in accord with the carnivore body size hypothesis; note that the measure of TDF also describes protein-polysaccharide complexes of connective tissues [reviewed in Sunvold et al, 1995a] that will be digested by gut microbes.…”

“…Microbial fermentation can and does take place in the large intestine (and the distal part of the small intestine) of canids and felids [Banta et al, 1979;Kienzle, 1994;Sunvold et al, 1995a,b;Buena et al, 2000;Hesta et al, 2001Hesta et al, , 2003Backus et al, 2002;Bosch et al, 2008;Janssens et al, 2008;Vester et al, 2008]. Data from Vester et al [2008] appear to indicate a higher capability of smaller felids for the digestion of TDF components (Fig.…”

“…However, specially designed studies will have to corroborate this hypothesis. Also, the question remains debatable whether microbial fermentation should be considered as potentially disadvantageous [Vester et al, 2008] or beneficial-not necessarily in the sense of a medical intervention potential via special supplements (''prebiotics'') [e.g. Macfarlane et al, 2008], but in the sense of an evolutionary evolved adaptation.…”

Isotopic investigation of niche partitioning among native carnivores and the non-native coyote (Canis latrans)

“…The inability of felids to produce certain essential amino acids (e.g. taurine) renders bobcats as obligate carnivores [21,[29][30][31], and therefore bobcats consume little plant matter [3,23,25]. In contrast, gray foxes are facultative carnivores documented to seasonally supplement their diet with a high degree of plant matter, including persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), grapes (Vitis spp.…”

Comparison of methods for determination of nutrient digestibility of a dry kibble diet for ocelots

“…Lôbo Jr. et al (2001) reported that ADF underrated the CAD determined by total fecal collection, in contrast to Carciofi et al (1998), who deem CF and ADF efficient in this determination, but suggest the need for new studies to confirm such conclusion. Under these conditions, the reports of Vester et al (2008) and Clauss et al (2010), about the likelihood of microbial fermentation in the final portion of the small intestine and in the large intestine of small felines may justify the reduced CAD estimated by CF and ADF in the present experiment.…”