Nj. Clum et al., NUTRIENT CONTENT OF 5 SPECIES OF DOMESTIC-ANIMALS COMMONLY FED TO CAPTIVE RAPTORS, The Journal of raptor research, 31(3), 1997, pp. 267-272
The objective of this work was to provide a basis for more informed ev
aluation of diet options with respect to the nutritional needs of capt
ive raptors. We compared nutritional content of five domesticated spec
ies that are most commonly fed to captive raptors; quail (Coturnix cot
urnix japonica), chickens (Gallus domesticus), rats (Rattus norvegicus
), mice (Mus musculus) and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). We measured
proximate composition (moisture, lipid, protein, ash), vitamin A, vita
min E, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium and potassium
. Significant species differences were found in lipid and in vitamins
A and E, and differences approached significance in iron and manganese
concentrations. Differences in nutrient content between species did n
ot correspond to differences in nutrient levels of diets consumed by p
rey All species contained adequate amounts of protein, lipid, vitamin
A, calcium, magnesium and zinc. However, whole domesticated prey were
potentially inadequate sources of vitamin E, copper, iron and manganes
e.