Feeding experiments on SPF-cats
Hurni, H.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 86(9): 356-360
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 391526 Document Number: 152426
At a climatized breeding unit artificially lit and with background radio, growth of young specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats, fed to appetite, was studied, and, for up to 12 weeks, factors affecting intake of feed by adult cats, and, for the whole unit, number of litters per cat and size of litter at birth, at weaning, and at about 12 weeks, in a long-term survey on different combinations of feeds. Intake of feed and growth, bodyweight and breeding success were affected by quality and aroma of feed, attitude to the keeper, method of feeding, position within the group, situations upsetting the hierarchy, sex, size or number of original litter and, to a great extent, boredom. Appetite was stimulated and growth and breeding results were improved by use of a standard weekly menu. Items tested included 2 pelleted feeds, cat sausage, canned tuna and other canned feed and a mixture prepared from minced whole rat, pellets, water, cooking salt and dried brewer's yeast which was sterilized and served cold on 5 days a week.