Whole body cholesterol, fat, and fatty acid concentrations of mice (Mus domesticus) used as a food source.

The concentrations of dry matter, cholesterol, saturated fat, monounsaturat ed fat, and 29 fatty acids were measured in four size categories of whole m ice (Mus domesticus) that are commonly fed to zoo animals. Dry matter incre ased with age/size of mice, whereas cholesterol decreased with age/size. Si gnificant differences in fatty acid content were found among mice categorie s with capric, lauric, and myristic acids. Mice categories had similar leve ls of palmitic, palmitoleic, heptadecenoic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, gamma linolenic, alpha linolenic, eicosenoic, eicosadienoic, arachidonic, docosa hexaenoic, and lignoceric acids. Analyzed lipid content of mice exceeded do mestic carnivorous animal requirements for linoleic and arachidonic acids. The fatty acid levels in mice were high, falling between published values i n beef and fish. Generally, mice contained higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including the omega-3 fatty acids, and lower levels of satura ted fatty acids than beef. Although fatty acid levels met or exceeded some dietary requirements for carnivores and omnivores, a possibility of excessi ve levels exists that could lead to eye and tissue abnormalities. Furthermo re, as the intake of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids increases, the die tary requirement for vitamin E increases. Thus, it is important that lipid profiles of feeder mice be known and considered when examining captive anim al diets.