Effect of pectin and chitosan supplementation on fecal quality in Myrmecophaga tridactyla under professional ex situ management

Citation

Gómez SM, Bustos Méndez RL, and Martínez Mora SA. 2025. Effect of pectin and chitosan supplementation on fecal quality in Myrmecophaga tridactyla under professional ex situ management. In Treiber K, Brooks M, D’amato-Anderson J, Nylander J, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Oklahoma City, OK.

Abstract

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a specialized insectivorous species classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, presents nutritional challenges under professional care, particularly concerning gastrointestinal health. This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with pectin and chitosan on fecal quality, used as a non-invasive marker of digestive function, in three adult individuals kept under control conditions. Nine treatments were implemented: one control (T0) and eight with increasing inclusion levels (1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, or 3.0% of the diet as fed) of pectin (T1–T4) or chitosan (T5–T8). The fecal evaluation was conducted using a five-level consistency scale. Treatments with 1.5% and 2.0% pectin (T1 and T2) obtained the highest fecal scores (x: 2.78 ≈ 3 and 2.48 ≈ 2.5), indicating more formed and consistent stools. In contrast, treatments with higher levels of chitosan (T7 and T8) showed greater variability and looser consistencies (x: 1.76 ≈ 2 and 1.69 ≈ 2). The treatment with 3.0% pectin was excluded due to palatability issues. The results suggest that moderate inclusion of fermentable fibers may improve fecal quality in M. tridactyla, while higher concentrations may induce dysbiosis or affect dietary acceptance. It is recommended to consider individual variability and adjust functional fiber levels based on the individual response.

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