Animal Products
Authors: Cayla Iske (Iowa State University) , Kelly Kappen (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium) , Cheryl Morris (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium)
Diet has been shown to influence animal composition but has not been evaluated in feeder animals. We assessed the impact of dietary vitamin E concentration and sex on feeder rat nutrient composition. Eighteen rats were randomly assigned to a dietary treatment of 20, 90, or 400 ppm vitamin E and fed their respective diets for 9 wks. Dietary vitamin E manipulation significantly impacted nutrient composition of rats, most notably protein to fat ratios, metabolizable energy, and vitamin E concentrations. Nutrient composition also differed between sexes with males having higher protein and lower fat concentrations compared with females. These results suggest dietary vitamin E and sex do influence body nutrient composition of feeder rats. Outcomes may aid zoo animal manager decisions regarding nutritional management of carnivores receiving rats in their diets.
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How to Cite: Iske, C. , Kappen, K. & Morris, C. (2019) “Dietary Vitamin E: Effect on Nutrient Composition in Feeder Rats”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 16(1).