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Final - Atkinson
reptiles, pocket pets, birds
87
Nutrition
Undergraduate 4
11/30/2014

Additional Nutrition Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What scientist is well known for studying parrot nutrition at Guelph?
Definition
Mark Hagen
Term
What is a challenge with feeding rare/exotic bird breeds?
Definition
-successfully breeding & feeding them
-difficult to feed the same foods they would eat in the wild
-can be very specific with their breeding habits/practices
Term
What breed of parrot discussed in class was once predominant in the wild, but now only exists in captivity & is extinct in the wild?
Definition
Spix's Macaw
Term
What as passiformes? Give an example, and what type of diet they eat
Definition
Perching birds e.g. canaries & finches
-variety of vegetation, seeds, insects, sometimes small mammals
-often eat seeds in captivity
Term
Parrots, parakeets, budgies & African grey parrots all below to the family of....
Definition
Psittaciformes
Term
What is unique about Macaws' beaks?
Definition
they are very powerful so that they can get access to the nutrients inside tough-shelled seeds like Brazil nuts
Term
What researcher discussed in class studied at UC Davis, and what was his topic?
Definition
Kirk Klasig
-studied risk of zinc toxicity from birds chewing the bars of their galvanized steel cages
Term
Which group researchers did extensive research on the basic nutritional requirements of bird species? Where did they study?
Definition
Kaphus et al
University of Hannover, Germany
Term
What research was done at Michigan state regarding avian nutrition?
Definition
-analyzed seed mixture of various diets sold in stores
-corn grain was common as it is a cheap ingredient!
Term
What is the issue with feeding a corn-based diet to birds?
Definition
good energy source but it is low in protein and has a poor AA profile

-if given the choice birds will eat corn over other things despite being less nutritionally balanced
-haven't evolved to have corn as a part of their diet, eat it because it's easy to eat but not nutritrious
Term
What is one important factor to be considered when comparing diets composed of variety types of seeds based on weight?
Definition
-different seeds have different proportions of hull VS nutritious kernel
e.g. canary seed - small shell, lots of kernel
macadamia nuts, low kernel weight lots of shell
-need to factors this in when analyzing content by weight vs nutritional benefits of seed components
Term
What effect does removing the hull of seeds have on the protein & general nutrient profile per kg of seed?
Definition
increases it significantly
Term
What is the main nutrient found in seeds?
Definition
carbohydrates (NFE)
Term
True or False

If seeds are high in energy from an oil source, they will likely be lacking in the content of other nutrients
Definition
true
Term
What are the important AAs to be considered in avian nutrition? Why? What is usually the most limiting AA in diets?
Definition
Lysine (need 0.8%) *most limiting
-if low in lysine feathers growth is irregular, becomes barred
Methionine & Cysteine - essential for feather production
Term
What seed is high in lysine?
Definition
canary seeds
Term
Describe the digestibility of avian diets. How is it measured?
Definition
Measure in ME (birds excrete feces & urine simultaneously)
white & red millet & canary seed are highly digestible
corn & soybean meal slightly less

Birds are very efficient at assimilation of energy from nutrients!
Term
What is one effective means of studying birds' diets in the wild, based on they physical appearance?
Definition
Ptilochronology
feather growth over time reflects the nutritional status of the animal
Term
What breed of bird requires Vit C as an essential part of the diet?
Definition
Red Vented Bulbo
Term
What ratio of Ca:P is needed for birds? What if they are laying hens?
Definition
1% : 0.5-1%
4% : 1% if laying
Term
What are some important sources of Ca in the diet? How do birds get Ca in the wild?
Definition
oyster shell & ground limestone (dissolves in proventriculus, bioavailable)
-also gritty & helps with grinding in the gizzard

-picking at dust with Ca in it
-eating bones ground by predators
Term
True or False

Adding pigments into the diet of perching birds can affect the colour of their feathers
Definition
True

But only during periods of feather growth!
Term
What carotenoid is reponsible for the pink colour in flamingos?
Definition
Pheonicoxanthin
Term
What is unique about the colouring of Electus Parrots?
Definition
-males & females express different pigments
-colours is due to Psittacofulvings manufactured in the feather follicle (not diet related)
Term
Describe the important aspects of a bird's beak, crop & proventriculus
Definition
Beaks
-important to be able to remove shell of seeds as this only adds weight, inhibits digestion
-have poor taste buds & olfactory sense

Crop
-warm moist environment or food storage to provide food even at night (birds have high BMR need constant energy input)

Proventriculus
-enzyme & acid (pepsin & HCL) released to initiate digestion
Term
Describe the important aspects of a bird's ventriculus, large intestine & ceca
Definition
Ventriculus (gizzard)
-muscular mechnical grinding area

LI
-very short, limited ability for hindgut digestion

Ceca
-blind pouches for fermentation, not all birds have them, not usually well developed
Term
Which bird does not have a gizzard? Why?
Which bird has well-developed ceca? Why?
Definition
Gizzard: hummingbird
-eat nectar, no need for mechanical grinding

Ceca: rhea
-don't fly, extra weight of fermenting food in hindgut is not a problem
Term
What line of Purina products is a popular choice for feeding 'pocket pets'? What were they originally designed for?
Definition
Mazuri line of foods designed for feeding zoo animals

-have now extended into feeding a wide variety of pocket pets including chinchillas, crickets & lagomorphs
Term
Why are we concerned with cricket nutrition?
Definition
want to create nutritionally enriched crickets which will in turn be fed to iguanas, toads & other carnovires/omnivores
Term
Why do we have a very detailed understanding of nutritional requirements of rats & mice?
Definition
they have long been used as research subjects so we have lots of information on toxicities, deficiencies, digestion etc
Term
Why are rats & mice popular as research subjects?
Definition
they have a short life span, high metabolic rates, breed easily/are easy to reproduce
-dry land/desert adapted = easy to keep
Term
Describe some important traits of the GI tract of hamsters & other similar pocket pets
Definition
-large hindgut & ceca for fermentation
-simple SI
-slightly compartmented stomach, with acid-secretion and non-acid secretion portions
-haustrated colon to slow down passage of digesta and improve fiber fermentation
Term
What is unique/important about the GI of guinea pigs vs lagamorphs?
Definition
-have a highly innervated ileocecocolic junction to control passage of digesta from ileum to colon
-have a colonic furrow which separates large & small fibr particles, moving them back up to the junction for further cecal fermentation
-more effective utilization of the fiber component of the diet
Term
Describe some important trains of the GI tract of rabbits & hares (lagamorphs)
Definition
-small stomach & SI, well developed cecum
-stomach secretes acid, initiates protein digestion
-SI secretes pancreatic & SI enzymes to break down glucose, protein etc. & absorb
-cecum has effective microbial fermentation but limited absorption of nutrients
-proximal colon absorbs Na & K
-haustrated colon
Term
What is the importance of the VFAs produced by microbial fermentation in the hindgut of rabbits?
Definition
-all are energy substrates
-acetate = lipogenic
-propionate = gluconeogenic
-butyrate = energy for cells lining hindgut
Term
How are small rodents able to survive without water for long periods of time
Definition
they are very efficient at using the water produced endogenously during metabolism
Term
What is barbering?
Definition
consuming fur, usually due to lack of fiber in diet
-often seen in rabbits
Term
What caecotrophy?
Definition
-cecotrope pellet are pushed out by cecum, often ingested directly from anus (kept in anaerobic state)

-pellets are rich in VFAs and high in protein vs normal feces
-allows absorption of the B vitamins produced by microbes in the hindgut during fermentation
Term
Why is caeotrophy important for maximizing intake of vitamins A, D & E?
Definition
It's not.
Only B Vitamins are produced by microbes in the hind gut
Term
What are the nutritional benefits of caprophagy?
Definition
-can access nutrients produced by microbes (lysine, methionine, V vitamins)
-can access minerals which were not bioavaiable prior to microbial action (e.g. phosphorous bound in phytic acid)
-can colonize the gut with appropriate microorganisms for fermentation
Term
What vitamin is required in guinea pigs but not in most other mammals? Why?
Definition
Vit C
-they lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase
Term
Which have a higher protein requirement, rats & mice or gerbils & hamsters?
Definition
gerbils & hamsters
Term
What is unique about the eating patterns of rats?
Definition
they are selective about new foods
-will try a small amount of a new food and wait to see how it affects them before eating more
Term
What is a good source of fiber when feeding guinea pigs, hamsters & lagamorphs?
Definition
alfalfa
Term
What determines the colour of an iguana?
Definition
genetics, not diet
-affected by season, photoperiod & stress
Term
Give 2 examples each of species belonging to the suborders Sauria, Serpentes & Chelonia. Specify whether they are herbivores, omnivores or carnivores
Definition
Sauria
-iguanas, skinks (H)
-bearded dragons (O)
-monitors & bearded lizards (C)

Serpentes
Boas, pythons, vipers (all are carnivores)

Chelonia
Snapping turtle (C)
Painted turtle, reeves turtle, river turtle (O)
Term
How might the diet of a turtle change as they age, in regards to protein?
Definition
Often eat more protein (meat based diet) when young & growing, the switch to a primarily vegetarian diet when they are adults and protein requirements are less
Term
Describe the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, soluble & insoluble fiber for reptiles
Definition
DM, OM = highly digestible
Insol siber = low digestibility
Sol fiber = good digestibility through hindgut fermentation
Term
Which has a lower energy requirement, reptiles or mammals of equivalent size?
Definition
reptiles as they are cold blooded, have very low BMR in comparison
Term
Why is the low digestibility of insoluble fiber not necessarily a bad thing for reptiles?
Definition
It is good if you are needing to control the animal's weight
Term
What reptilian study provided extensive information on diets for carnivores, omnivores and herbivores?
Definition
Food For Reptiles
McNamara (2014)
Term
Describe the diets recommended by McNamara for herbivores, omnivores and carnivores
Definition
CARNIVORES
-mealworms, flies, crickets, mice (no carbs)

OMNIVORES
-slugs, snails, crickets, fruits, veggies (20-75% carbs)

HERBIVORES
-greens, fruits, veggies, clover, grasses (55-75% carbs)
Term
What are the advantages of feeding fresh greens/fruits/veggies/meat to reptiles?
Definition
provides more moisture than feeding pre-made pelleted/flaked feeds, and may provide more Vit A depending on what is being fed
Term
Describe the importance of temperature for reptiles
Definition
-most prefer 25-30 degrees celsius
-will seek out areas in cages with these temperatures
-if temp is too low, metabolic rate will lower, they won't eat
-if they have food in the GI tract when temps lower it will get stuck & ferment (need empty GI tract before going into hibernation!)
Term
What is one important concern when feeding birds manually?
Definition
if you overload the crop, food will get stuck there and ferment
Term
Why is moisture important for reptiles?
Definition
-lose lots of moisture through the skin
-can experience metabolic issues if too dry
-will experience dysecdysis (impaired skin shedding)
Term
What is a concern with feeding small newborn mice/rats to carnivores or omnivores? What about large adult rodents?
Definition
Newborns are mainly water, low in protein, Vit A, energy & fat

Adults have increased risk of causing Vit A toxicity as it is stored in the liver
Term
What is a concern with feeding invertebrate prey to reptiles, such as crickets & worms? How can you fix this
Definition
have a very poor Ca:P ratio

-can sprinkle calcium carbonate on the prey before feeding
-can use gut-loaded prey

-involves feeding the prey diets high in Ca, which will be passed on to the reptile
-Ca component must persist in the gut, without having negative effects on the prey
Term
What are the two biggest diet-related concerns with reptiles?
Definition
Metabolic Bone Disease
Gout
Term
What is another term for metabolic bone disease?
Definition
nutritional secondary hyperthyroidism
Term
What causes metabolic bone disease?
Definition
-lizards cannot use Vit D2, need to get D3 from diet or synthesize in skin via UV exposure
-25 hydroxycholecalciferol (calcidiol) is stored in liver, converted to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol)
-calcitriol stimulates Ca uptake, or release of Ca from bone
-if there is not enough Ca in diet, or no D3 source, bones will get weak
Term
What are some bad choices of fruits/veggies in terms of Ca:P? Good? What are 2 important concerns regarding Ca availability?
Definition
Bad: cucumbers, tomatos, bananas
Good: brocooli, dandelion greens

*oxalic acid in many leafy plants binds Ca, rendering it unavailable
*glucosinolates in leafy greens prevent iodine uptake
Term
What are some examples of lizards that do not need UV light for D3 synthesis? Examples of lizards that absolutely do?
Definition
don't: leopard geckoes, eye skinks
do: komodo dragon
Term
Describe the progression of metabolic bone disease
Definition
1. Low dietary Ca or poor Ca:P in diet
2. Increased release of parathyroid hormone
3. Increased mobilization of Ca from bone, & P loss through kidneys
4. Progressive skeletal demineralization
5. Skeletal deformity, pain, death

-femur fractures & spinal collapse are common
Term
What causes gout in reptiles? What are the 2 types of gout?
Definition
Due to deposition of uric acid crystals (tophi) in tissues

Visceral gout = deposition in organs & abdominal membrane
Articular gout = deposition in joints
Term
Describe the effects of gout in reptiles, what causes gout and diets likely to cause gout
Definition
-N is primarily excreted through uric acid in reptiles
-animal-based protein diets (e.g. cat food) are high in N, therefore high in uric acid production
-asparagus is also high in N, don't feed!

-aside from excess N, gout also caused by impaired renal function associated with aging
-dehydration increases uric acid levels in blood leading to crystal formation
Term
Describe some unique aspects of the digestive tracts of snakes
Definition
-simple GI tract
-no ceca
-minimal fermentation
-carnivores often have disengageable jaws to allow for large meals
-
Term
Describe some unique aspects of the digestive tracts of tortoises
Definition
-simple GI tract
-more developed SI than snakes
-no ceca
Term
Describe some unique aspects of the digestive tracts of iguanas
Definition
-hindgut has some haustration to flow passage of food & increase fermentation
Term
What is the typically effective wavelengths of UV light for Vit D3 production?
Definition
290-320nm
Term
Compare the contents of hard feces to cecotroph pellets
Definition
Hard feces are higher in crude fiber

Cecotrophs are higher in moisture, protein, B vitamins, microbes
Term
Why is it important to balance legumes & grasses when feeding birds? Give examples of each
Definition
Legumes are too high in fat on their own
-canola, soybean, peas

Grasses are too low in Ca on their own
-corn, oats, sunflower

*need to be part of a balanced ration
Term
How are the GI tracts of birds adapted for flight?
Definition
-high BMR
-light, simple GI tract
Term
What was the issue with formulating commercial diets based on laboratory studies, before AAFCO regulations were established?
Definition
-lab studies are very controlled with high quality ingredients
-commercial industry uses less pure ingredients, following the same diet protocols as in the lab does not work
Term
What is the issue with using NRC recommendations?
Definition
NRC relies on the industry for funding publishing, so there is a contradictory bias based on what the industry wants to see published
Term
How have nutritional studies on dogs & cats changed from 1980 onwards?
Definition
-in 1980 law was passed banning euthanasia of test animals at the end of studies
-means you cannot measure tissue levels of metabolites
-procedures now are very non-invasive

-recently started using stable isotopes to be able to detect breakdown products, allowing continued research after a low 'quiet' period after the ban
Term
True or False

AAFCO regulates & certifies pet foods
Definition
False

Pet food companies must follow AAFCO protocols, but testing is all done on the company's own dime
-AAFCO sets standards but does not enforce them
Term
What is ingredient splitting in pet food labeling>?
Definition
-can split components of one large group into their individual portions
e.g. 'cereal grains' divided into corn, rice, corn gluten
-makes it seem as though these are present in smaller proportions, and the meat component appears greater than the grain
Term
Why would a company label ingredients 'as mixed'
Definition
-this indicates ingredients are measured when fresh rather than dried
-alters the order in which they appear on the ingredient list

e.g. chicken is heavy when fresh, can go 1st on the ingredient list by weight making it seem like a more significant component than it really is
Term
What is the 95% rule?
Definition
-formulation of a feed must be at least 95% of what's in the name e.g. 'Beef Hot Dogs' must be at least 95% beef *however if the ingredient is coupled with a primary descriptor it only has to be 25% e.g. "Beef Dinner" only has to be 25% beef
Term
What is the "With" rule?
Definition
-a 'with' ingredient must make up at least 3%

e.g. "Dog food with Lobster" is at least 3% lobsteer
Term
True or False

Therapeutic diets must follow AAFCO protocols
Definition
False

there is no category for therapeutic diets
Term
What are the 2 means AAFCO allows to determine ME?
Definition
Using a modified Atwater formula
ME(kcal/kg) = 10[(3.5X CP )+ (8.5 X CF) + (3.5 X NFE)]

OR

Following testing procedures established by AAFCO
Term
What are the AAFCO regulations regarding statements of caloric content?
Definition
-must be separate & distinct from the Guaranteed Analysis, under heading 'Calorie Content'
-must be measured in terms of ME on an as fed basis, expressed in kcal/kg
-ME must be determined using the modified Atwater formula
Term
Which AA has a maximum for cats?
Definition
methionine
Term
What is the flavour rule?
Definition
Product must contain a source of the flavour but can be less than 3%
Term
What are the AAFCO feeding protocols for experiments regarding caloric content?
Definition
-8 health animals, 26 week minimum
-diet fed ad libitum or estimated needs
-measure food consumption daily, & weight at beginning, during & end
-mean weight loss must be <10%, no indiviual >15%
-failure if any clinical or pathological signs of deficiencies appear

PUPPIES & KITTENS - same as above except...
-from at least 3 different litters
-puppies <8wks, kittins <9 wks old
-minimum 10wk duration
-weight gain must be <75% average (80% cats)
-males & females assessed separately
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