COMPOSITION OF COMMERCIAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR ENHANCING THE NUTRIENT SUPPLY DURING MOLT FOR PET BIRDS

Condition for an undisturbed moult is the avoidance of deficits in the supply of macro- and trace elements (WOLF, 1996), sulphur amino acids or vitamines (KAMPHUES et al., 1996; RABEHL el al., 1996). Believing the label of commercial ''moult products'' it concerns compounds which are rich in minerals or vitamines and rare in amino acids. The examin ation of these preparations showed, that only a few meet the term ''mo ult product''. The nutrient content of investigated products were simi lar to seed mixtures without supplements, although the label shows ano ther dates. In some cases the labeled dosa were inexact, so that even if the chemical composition of the products are useful, risks of an in adequate or excessive supply existed. Although feedstufs for pet birds are not so tight regulated as for dogs or cats, the relevant authorit ies should not fail to carry out the examination of random samples. Fi nally the trustworthiness of a whole branch of industry is challenged through the incorrect actions of some responsible people, if label, ch emical composition and labeled dose give rise to doubt in sense and us e of moult products.