Animal Products

Dietary Vitamin E: Effect on Nutrient Composition in Feeder Rats

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Abstract

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.

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).