what dietry requirements are needed for juveniles and why
high protein
frequent meals
supports rapid growth
what dietry requirements are needed for working animals
high energy diet
feed little and often
increased fat for endurance
what dietry requirements are needed for pregnant / lactating animals
increased protein and calcium
higher overall calorie intake
what dietary requirements are needed for geriatric animals
- low lipid
- high fibre
- easy to digest
- keep high protein
- lower calorie
- omega acids
what quality checks should be done for animal feed
- appearance
- smell
- best before date
- storage
- risk of toxicity
what are effects of poor quality food
- illness
- low performance
qualities of wet foods
- high moisture
- lower energy density
- more palatable
qualities of dry food
- higher energy density
- good for dental health
- lower moisture
what does gross energy mean
total energy in a feed
what is digestible energy
gross energy minus the energy lost in faeces
what is metabolizable energy
digestible energy minus that lost in urine and gases
when are calcium supplements needed
- base diet is deficient in calcium
- animal pregnant or lactating
disadvantage of calcium in relation to phosphorous
calcium can interfere with phosphorus absorption
what can over supplementation cause
developmental orthopedic disease in growing animals
why should calcium supplements not be used in late stages of gestation
can increase the risk of milk fever
whats important to monitor after making changes to a feeding plan
appetite
body condition score
mobility
energy levels
coat condition
feces
weight changes
what are 4 reasons why pregnant mothers need to have a bcs of 3
- reduces birthing risks
- ensures good energy reserves
-prevents obesity related problems
-supports healthy milk production
instead of a bcs what should be checked for in young rabbits
- rounded tummy
- warm body temp
- skin tone
- quietly resting
what are the feeding requirements of rabbits
unlimited hay
pellets for energy
fresh greens
no sudden diet changes
what should be checked in young guinea pigs
weight gain
rounded shape
good activity levels
what are feeding requirements for guinea pigs
unlimited hay
fresh veg
vit c daily
clean water
what nutritional conditions could lead to hibernation issues
if there are not enough fat reserves this could lead to starvation mid hibernation
what endocrine conditions could lead to hibernation issues
dysregulated hormones could lead to excessive energy loss, failure to enter torpor or too frequent arousal
what metabolic conditions could head to hibernation issues
if there is insufficient fat there will be muscle breakdown and organ stress
