Observations of growth of South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) fed different carnivore diets

Citation

Edwards M, Lisi K, Saffoe C. 2007. Observations of growth of South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) fed different carnivore diets. In Ward A, Hunt A, Maslanka M, Eds. Proceedings of the Seventh Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Knoxville, TN.

Abstract

Significant changes have occurred in the availability of raw ingredients used in fresh meat-based carnivore diets, and as a result, the finished diets. Two litters (n = 9) of maternally reared South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) included in this retrospective study of cub growth were offered comparable carnivore diets that differed primarily in the species (horse [Diet A, Litter 1], cattle [Diet B, Litter 2]) source of the principle ingredients. Both litters were weaned from Diet A to Diet B during the scope of the study, but at different days of age. There was no statistically significant difference in average daily gain between weeks 6 and 74 (95.6 g d^-11 and 96.9 g d^-1 for Litters 1 and 2, respectively) (P > 0.05). National restrictions in the availability of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected horsemeat necessitate the consideration of readily available, domestic sources of meat ingredients from alternative species as ingredients for fresh meat-based carmvore diets. The results of this study add to the body of objective studies that support the use of beef as part of scientifically formulated, properly handled and hygienically produced fresh meat-based diets for carnivorous species.

Edwards – GROWTH OF SOUTH AFRICAN CHEET AHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS JUBATUS) FED DIFFERENT CARNIVORE DIETS.pdf     2 MB