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low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets夽 Appétence et tolérance digestive d’un nouveau régime alimentaire riche en protéines et faible en carbohydrates chez des furets adultes A.J. Linsart a, J. Figuera b, S. Fournel c, C. Ségalen d, A. Batard b, C. Navarro d,∗ a
Centre hospitalier vétérinaire Saint-Martin, 275, route Impériale, 74370 Saint-Martin-Bellevue, France b VIRBAC France, 3e rue LID, 06510 Carros cedex, France c VIRBAC R&D, 1re avenue LID, 06515 Carros cedex, France d VIRBAC, 13e rue LID, BP 27, 06511 Carros cedex, France Received 21 December 2017; accepted 27 August 2018
KEYWORDS Ferret; Nutrition; Palatability; Digestive tolerance; Faeces
Summary The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is an obligate carnivore whose dietary preference is determined at an early age. As a neophobic specie, it is very difficult to change an adult ferret’s diet. The aim of this study was to assess the palatability and the digestive tolerance of a new commercial low carbohydrates/protein rich dry diet formulated for kitten in two populations: reproductive ferrets belonging to a farm and in neutered pet owner’s ferrets. The new kibbles were progressively added following a transition phase then the palatability and digestive tolerance were monitored. Palatability was very satisfying. Indeed, 26.31% and 38% of farm and pet owner ferrets respectively consumed immediately the new diet. Hundred percent of farm ferrets consumed it at the end of the dietary transition and 80% of pet owner ferrets at the end of the study. Digestive tolerance was good as some stool changes were observed in the transition period but faeces rapidly returned to normal for most animals. Further, a notable weight gain was observed in farm ferrets, which is a significant factor in ensuring good breeding performance. This new dry diet seems to constitute a balanced nutritional alternative, very palatable and well tolerated from a digestive standpoint. © 2018 AFVAC. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
夽 La lecture de cet article ouvre droit à 0,05 CFC. La déclaration de lecture, individuelle et volontaire, est à effectuer auprès du CNVFCC (cf.sommaire). ∗ Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (C. Navarro).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003 2214-5672/© 2018 AFVAC. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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MOTS CLÉS Furet ; Nutrition ; Appétence ; Tolérance digestive ; Fèces
Résumé Le furet (Mustela putorius furo) est un carnivore strict dont la préférence alimentaire est déterminée précocement. Changer le régime alimentaire d’un furet adulte est très difficile (espèce néophobe). Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer l’appétence et la tolérance digestive d’un nouvel aliment sec faible en glucides/riche en protéines, formulé pour les chatons, chez des furets reproducteurs d’élevage et des furets domestiques stérilisés. Les nouvelles croquettes ont été progressivement introduites puis l’appétence et la tolérance digestive ont été suivies. L’appétence fut très satisfaisante. En effet, 26,31 % et 38 % des furets d’élevage et domestiques respectivement ont consommé immédiatement le nouvel aliment. Cent pour cent des furets d’élevage l’ont consommé à la fin de la transition alimentaire et quatre-vingt pour cent des furets domestiques à la fin de l’étude. La tolérance digestive fut bonne. Certains changements de selles ont été observés pendant la période de transition, mais les fèces sont ensuite rapidement revenues à la normale pour la plupart des animaux. Les furets d’élevage ont gagné du poids de fac ¸on notable, ce qui est un facteur important pour assurer de bonnes performances de reproduction. Ces nouvelles croquettes semblent constituer une alternative nutritionnelle équilibrée, très appétente et bien tolérée du point de vue digestif. © 2018 AFVAC. Publi´ e par Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits r´ eserv´ es.
Introduction The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is an obligate carnivore belonging to the Mustelidae family [1]. The population of domesticated ferrets, which are quite popular pets in western countries, have been estimated to 300,000 in France in 2010 [1]. It can be fed with a commercial diet (dry or wet) or with a so-called meat ration (based on whole prey or homemade food, also known as BARF—Bones and Raw Food) [2,3]. Its dietary preferences are determined at an early age (before 4 to 6 months) [1,4,5]. It is therefore very hard to change an adult ferret’s diet [6,7]. By so, it is recommended to offer a variety of foods (kibble and meat ration) during the ferrets weaning and first months of life to guarantee a variable diet acceptance and thus ensuring a better health [1,4,5]. Due to its gastrointestinal system (poorly differentiated digestive tract, poor intestinal flora, very rapid digestive transit) and its high energetic needs (daily metabolizable energy intake is estimated to range from 200 to 300 kcal per kilogram body weight), the ferret diet required a high intake of proteins and fat [1,4,6,7]. The source of protein must be of high quality (high digestibility) and from animal origins as vegetal proteins do not cover the needs in essential amino acids and are less digestible [3,4,6—8]. Further, energy intakes above maintenance are needed for growth, gestation and lactation [4,6]. Moreover, few dry commercial diets are appropriate for ferrets: the carbohydrate content is always much higher than needed for this species, because of the nature of the ingredients and the manufacturing processes employed [3,5,6]. For feral mustelids, the only natural source of carbohydrates is the content of their prey gut [7]. Carbohydrates do not play a major role in ferret nutrition but are necessary as a jill fed with a high fat, high protein and carbohydrates-free diet leads to poorer viability on her offspring [8]. A feed preference experiment has
shown that cats and ferret have a clear preference for diets of higher fat and protein content [8]. A new range of dry diets with high protein/lowcarbohydrate formula was recently marketed, designed to match as closely as possible the nutritional needs of cats, which are, like ferrets, obligate carnivores [1,6,9]. As the ‘‘kitten’’ formula of this diet range seemed to fill the nutritional requirements of ferrets, the objective of this study was to evaluate the palatability and digestive tolerance of this new product in two types of population: farm ferrets in breeding period and neutered pet owner ferrets.
Materials and method Animals This study was conducted in France in two different type of population: farm ferrets in breeding period and pet owners’ ferrets. Reproductive, unrelated ferrets aged one year or more were selected in one farm and participated in the study in July 2016. Body condition score (BCS) had to be between 2/5 and 5/5 at inclusion: cachectic individuals were excluded. Very thin animals were not excluded when the low body condition score was attributable to the current reproductive status (lactating or pregnant jills). The farm ferrets were fed with a commercial dry diet (31% protein, 16% fat, 6.5% ash, 4% crude fiber, 1.09% Ca/P, 1.15% Calcium, 1.05% Phosphorus) provided ad libitum, completed with eviscerated chicken carcasses, chicken necks and whole preys (one-dayold chicks). In this farm, feeding management frequently changed, depending on the breeding period and food supply conditions. The animals had therefore been fed with a variety of commercial dry diets.
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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Palatability and digestive tolerance in adult ferrets Pet owner ferrets were recruited through a veterinary clinic from May to September 2016. These ferrets were patients presented for preventive medical check-ups, geriatric assessments, or minor health issues unrelated to the digestive tract. They represented the typical population found in a veterinary practice. All of them were neutered at the time of the study, 31 were surgically neutered and 18 were implanted subcutaneously with desloreline. Their BCS had to be between 2.5 and 3.5/5: very thin, cachectic, and obese individuals were excluded. Ferrets suffering occasionally from mild digestive disorders were not excluded from the study but the ones suffering from severe, chronic or life-threatening conditions were not included in the study.
3 free from zoo technological issues (water intake, hygiene and environment) or diseases. A detailed questionnaire was given to the breeder and owners so that they could report any difficulty they might meet. The animals’ food consumption, stool aspect, and behavior were thus monitored on a daily basis. As it is common for owners to give their animals different diets during the same period, or at different periods in their life, it was important to establish the diet’s palatability and digestive tolerance regardless of the previous diets.
Body condition score (BCS) assessment and weight evaluation
Study design At the inclusion visit (D0), the breeder and pet owners were given information about the study design. The animals were clinically examined and digestive pain, borborygmes (abdomen auscultation) and diarrhea were systematically searched for. The new low carbohydrate diet, intended for kittens (Table 1), was introduced on D1 through a 10-day transition. This diet transition guaranteed that the digestive tract had time to progressively adapt to the new diet. After the transition period, the palatability and digestive tolerance of the new diet were then assessed for the 12 following days. For farm ferrets, an additional follow-up visit was made at D9, at the end of the diet transition phase. At each visit, the whole farm was also inspected in order to ensure that it was
Table 1
Body condition score (BCS) was assessed while holding the ferret by the scruff. The silhouette was observed as the animal was maintained in a vertical position. Axillary and inguinal folds were palpated, as well as the thorax and the abdomen, in order to estimate the thickness of subcutaneous fat and determine whether intra-abdominal fat was abundant. The scoring was 1/5 for cachectic ferrets, 2/5 for thin ferrets, 3/5 for the ferrets showing a normal silhouette, 4/5 for moderately overweight ferrets, 5/5 for obese ferrets. The farm ferrets were weighed at the first and the last visit. Weight gain and weight loss were considered significant when greater than 40 g at the end of the 22 days of the study (equivalent to a mean weight loss/gain per week of 10—15% for an adult ferret). Weight changes (gain, stability or loss)
Composition of the Virbac HPM Baby Pre Neutered Cat© dry diet and recommendation nutrient levels for ferrets..
Protein Fat Ash Crude fiber NFE Ca/P
Analytical constituents (% dry matter)
Recommended nutrient levels for ferrets (% dry matter) [5]
47.62 21.16 8.99 4.23 17.99 1.2
35—65 25—40 5—9 1—3 < 10 1.2—1.7 % crude matter
Nutrition information from the manufacturer Moisture Starch Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Omega-6 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids
5.5 13.5 1.2 1 0.7 2.9 0.9
Calculated metabolisable energy (kcal/100 g) In vivo measured metabolisable energy (kcal/100 g)
387 406
Ingredients: dehydrated pork and poultry proteins, animal fats, hydrolysed animal proteins, potato starch (min. 8%), whole pea (min. 6%), rice, lignocellulose, bean hulls, mineral salts, fish oil, beet pulp, linseed, fructo-oligosaccharides, psyllium fibre, yeast beta-glucan (500 mg/kg), chitosan (800 mg/kg), artichoke leave dry extract (500 mg/kg), pasteurised Lactobacillus acidophilus (7 mg/kg) Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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were also compared to measurement made in the same farm and period in July 2012.
Palatability The immediate palatability of the new diet was evaluated for the farm’s ferrets, by presenting the kibbles in small amounts to each ferret after the clinical examination at the inclusion visit (D0). The overall palatability was assessed in both populations of ferrets by comparing their feeding behaviors (new diet vs previous diet).
Digestive tolerance Faeces were observed in the cages. In case the cage housed several (up to 3) animals, the faecal score was individually assigned when a ferret was seen defecating; otherwise the same score was attributed to all the animals in the cage. A faecal scoring system was used to objectively assess faecal quality: 1/5 for diarrheic, very liquid, either homogenous or heterogeneous stools, 2/5 for soft to doughy, loose, either homogenous or heterogeneous stools, 3/5 for granular stools, 4/5 for normal stools and 5/5 for formed but hard stools leaving no traces following their removal. The evolution of faecal scores was monitored and qualified as ‘‘degradation’’ when one point was lost, ‘‘stable’’ ‘‘when the score variation was ± 0.5 points, and ‘‘improvement’’ when one point was gained.
Statistical analysis The statistical analysis were performed on SAS 9.4 software depending on the type of parameters. For quantitative parameters (weight change between D0 and the end of the study), paired t-test was applied. For scores (BSC and faecal score change between D0 and the end of the study), Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was applied.
Results Ferret population Thirty-eight entire ferrets (22 females and 16 males), aged between 1 to 5 years, were recruited in one breeding farm. Forty-nine neutered ferrets (28 females and 21 males) belonging to 15 different pet owners and aged from 5 months to 8 years (mean 4.27 years), were recruited. Before the study, 47 ferrets (96%) were fed commercial dry diet ® ® daily (Origen Cat and Kitten (25/47), Totally Ferret Active © (13/47), Versele Laga Ferret Complete (9/47), Hamiform ® ® Furet© (1/47) and Purina Pro Plan Junior (1/47)). 24/49 of them (49%) were fed a dry diet, and 23/49 (47%) were on a mixed diet (dry diet and meat, or dry and wet commercial diets). Two ferrets (4%) were fed meat ration only. Around 23/49 ferrets (47%) had had a change in diet in the six months preceding the study.
Figure 1. Body condition score in farm ferrets. Body condition score was assessed at inclusion (D0, in gray) and at the end of the study (D22, in black). Results are expressed in term of percentage of ferrets, n = 38.
Body condition score and weight monitoring in farm ferrets The mean BCS was 2.86 ± 0.72 at inclusion (range from 1/5 to 5/5) and was significantly increased to 3.22 ± 0.81 (range from 2/5 to 5/5) at the end of the study (P = 0.0001 Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for paired samples). Twenty-four ferrets (63%) ranged from 2.5/5 to 3.5/5 at the inclusion visit as well as at the end of the study (Fig. 1). Mean weight at inclusion was 927.25 g ± 276.5 (range from 494 to 1565 g). At the end of the study period, mean weight was 981 g ± 307.2 (range from 520 to 1630 g), which represents a significant increase (P = 0.0005, Student’s t test for paired samples). Eleven ferrets maintained their weight throughout the study (−10 to+25 g). Twenty showed a significant weight gain from 40 to 216 g (mean weight of 955.1 ± 299.8 and 1060 ± 288.6 at inclusion and end of the study respectively) with significant improvement of BCS (3.05 ± 0.69 ranged from 2/5 to 4.5/5 at inclusion, and 3.55 ± 0.78 ranged from 2.5/5 to 5/5 at the end of the study). Five ferrets displayed a significant weight loss (from 46 to 124 g) at the end of the study (mean weight of 830.4 ± 146.5 and 750 ± 156.9 at inclusion and end of study respectively). However, body condition scores for these 5 ferrets that had lost weight were stable (4 ferrets) or improved (1 ferret) throughout the study (mean BCS 2.80 ± 0.84 and 3 ± 0.7 at inclusion and end of study respectively). Compared to the same period in 2012, weight gain at the end of the breeding season was improved and weight loss was reduced with the new diet: 53% of the ferrets gained weight in 2016 vs 45% in 2012, 29% maintained their weight in 2016 vs 14% in 2012 and only 13% loused weight in 2016 vs 41% in 2012.
Palatability The immediate palatability of the new diet in farm’s ferrets was low: ten ferrets immediately consumed the new
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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Palatability and digestive tolerance in adult ferrets
5 • 5/49 (10%) tasted then rejected the new diet (of these 5 ferrets, three preferred it at the end of the study and the other two continued to reject it); • 9/49 (18%) completely refused to consume the new dry diet for the first 4 days of the diet transition period (8 ferrets that refused to test the new diet throughout the study and one ferret that adopted it later without difficulty). At the end of the study (Table 2), 39/49 ferrets (80%) consumed the new kibbles while 10/49 ferrets (20%) persisted in completely refusing to consume the new dry diet (among them, only 2 ferrets had tasted the new diet then refused it). For 25 ferrets (51%), the owners felt consumption was very satisfactory.
Digestive tolerance Figure 2. Immediate palatability in owner ferrets within the first four days of presentation of the new diet. Results are divided in three conditions: ferrets with a diet change in the 6 months prior to the study (n = 23, in gray), ferrets with no diet change in the 6 months prior to the study (n = 26, in hatched gray) and overall population (n = 49, in black). Results are expressed in term of percentage of ferrets.
kibbles; four ferrets showed a strong interest by sniffing the new diet but didn’t consume it in the end; and twenty four ferrets didn’t immediately taste the new kibbles. However, the diet transition was easily implemented with all the ferrets consuming the new diet without difficulty, once present in their usual environment. The breeders noticed neither rejection behavior nor decrease in dietary consumption after introducing the new kibbles. They reported no feed sorting behavior. The animals didn’t beg more than usual, and didn’t turn away from the new diet when delivered. The animals displayed no noticeable stress. No change in the overall water consumption was observed. For the 49 owners’ ferrets, the overall palatability was good: over the course of the study, 41 ferrets (84%) had consumed the new diet at least once. The results for immediate palatability of the new dry diet were as follows (Fig. 2): • 19/49 (39%) ferrets consumed indifferently the new kibbles and the previous one (of these 19 ferrets, 6 preferred the new diet at the end of the study, 11 consumed the previous and new diets indifferently and 2 seemed to prefer it less); • 16/49 (33%) sorted then ate the previous kibbles;
The majority of the farm ferrets (89%) had a faecal score of 3.5/5 at the inclusion visit and at the end of the diet transition period (D9), the majority of the ferrets (71%) had a faecal score of 4/5. On D9, among the 38 ferrets, three had no stools in their cages; one showed an improvement in its faecal score, 27 maintained their faecal scores and 7 presented a degradation in their faecal scores. The distribution of the faecal scores varied more considerably at the end of the study (D22) (Fig. 3): 1/38 ferret showed an improvement in its faecal score, 28 maintained their faecal scores and 9 presented a degradation in their faecal
Figure 3. Faecal score in farm ferrets during the study. Faecal score was assessed at inclusion (D0, in gray), after the diet transition phase (D9, in hatched gray) and at the end of the study (D22, in black). Results are expressed in term of percentage of ferrets.
Table 2 Palatability of pet owners ferret at the end of the study depending if they had a diet change 6 months prior to the study or not.
Refused the new diet Seemed to really less prefer Seemed to rather less prefer Seemed to consume indifferently Seemed to rather prefer Seemed to really prefer
Diet change 6 months prior study
No diet change 6 month prior study
Overall study population
13.04% (3) 34.78% (8) 4.35% (1) 13.04% (3) 0 34.78% (8)
26.92% (7) 11.54% (3) 7.69% (2) 38.46% (10) 15.38% (4) 0
20.41% (10) 22.45% (11) 6.12% (3) 26.53% (13) 8.16% (4) 16.33% (8)
39.13% (9) 47.83% (11)
28.57% (5) 53.84% (14)
28.57% (14) 51.02% (25)
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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scores. A significant decrease in faecal quality was observed over the study period between D0 and D22 (mean faecal score of 3.5 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 0.6 at D0 and D22 respectively, P = 0.0013 for Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for paired samples). Nevertheless, no watery stool (diarrhea) scoring 1/5, was observed over the course of the study. Among the 5 farm ferrets that had significantly lost weight at the end of the study, 3 ferrets presented a degradation in their faecal scores and 2 ferrets maintained their faecal scores. Among the 11 ferrets that had maintained their weight over the course of the study, 10 had no significant changes in their faecal scores (± 0.5 points) and one jill showed an improvement in her faecal scores. Among the 20 ferrets that had significantly gained weight at the end of the study, 15 had stable faecal scores and 5 exhibited a degradation in faeces quality. Among the 42 owners’ ferrets that had consumed the new diet, 34/42 ferrets (81%) had no digestive disorders throughout the course of the study and 8/42 ferrets (19%) presented stool changes. Water intake did not change for 35/42 ferrets that tasted the new diet whereas it was increased for seven ferrets.
Discussion The ferret has a short intestinal tract with a rapid transit time and a relatively simple gut flora [1,4,6,7]. As its energy requirement is high, it is of great importance to select a palatable, high quality diet [10]. Palatability is a major concern, thus a well-balanced mink diet with a strong fishy flavor was so unpalatable for ferret that pets firmly refused to eat it [7]. Further, immediate palatability and stool aspect after putting their animal on a new diet are decisive criteria for its continuing use by the owner. It is thus important that the diet recommended by the veterinarian be both appropriate and balanced from a nutritional standpoint, but also that the animal enjoy it, and that it allow the production of stool considered normal by the owner. An incorrect nutrition of the ferret (such as with base diet of low-cost grocery store) can directly or indirectly be related to serious health problem. An unbalanced diet such as high carbohydrate/low protein diet (i.e. dog food, base diet of low-cost grocery store) may lead to malnutrition, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infection and obesity [2,7]. Thus, an excess in carbohydrates in the diet is suggested to predispose the ferret to develop insulinoma, the most frequent tumor in the older ferret, by excessive stimulation of insulin production [2,3,11,12]. Excess fiber or other carbohydrates tend to attract liquids into the intestinal lumen and cause a laxative effect resulting in loose, bulky stools. The irritation due to excess fiber could favor ulcerations and even lead to neoplasia [2,3]. Young ferrets fed with low quality diet are at risk of developing Helicobacter gastritis and ulcers, as well as Lawsonia intracellularis proliferative enterocolitis [3,7]. The presence of excess vegetal protein in the diet is also correlated with urolithiasis through the alkalinisation of the urinary pH [2,3,7]. It is no small task to convert ferrets to a new diet (neophobia) [6,7]. Hence the consumption rate for this new diet in both breeding ferrets and owners’ ferrets was very satisfactory. In the farm used in this study, palatability proved
excellent, especially in a species that is known to be hard to convert to new diets [1,6,7], as 26% of the ferrets consumed the new kibbles immediately and 10% sniffed it with interest when initially presented with it. It is noteworthy that the context surrounding the presentation of the new kibbles was unusual for the animals: their handling outside their cages and the smell of the other ferrets previously examined generated significant excitement, which interfered with the introduction of the new kibbles; despite this, the new diet demonstrated a good immediate palatability. The diet transition was carried out without difficulty, and at the end of the study 100% of the farm animals consumed the new diet. However, these results should be interpreted with caution: these farm ferrets were used to change diets on a regular basis and indeed formed a specific population, differing from the animals brought to veterinary clinics. At the end of this study, 80% of the owners’ ferrets consumed the new diet, in a satisfactory fashion for 51% of the overall population. Group influence or the owners’ state of mind probably played a role in these results: two pet owners obtained perfectly homogeneous results. Five ferrets from the same pet owner completely refused the new diet throughout the study, while 8 ferrets from another pet owner consumed it immediately, and indifferently from the previous diet, throughout the study. How long the new diet was offered also seemed to play a role, as palatability increased significantly in ferrets having been offered the new diet for at least 20 days. The complete refusal to consume the new diet was spread among all the age classes. However, the appetence for the new diet was observed starting at 24 months. Indeed, the 6 ferrets younger than 24 months did not seem to appreciate the new diet, when consuming it. The only two ferrets fed with meat ration exclusively and another ferret with a reputation for being very picky, and that had never before accepted a diet change, completely refused to consume the new kibble, confirming the difficulty to change a ferret’s eating habit [6,7]. Otherwise, the origin of the animal, coming from associations, farms or pet shops did not seem to impact the palatability of the new diet, as the same percentage (about 75—80%) of ferrets consumed the new kibbles at the end of the study. The duration of the study averaged 20.3 days for all of the 49 owners’ ferrets, longer than the ten days initially planned. The amount of kibbles offered was higher than what the ferrets needed in most cases. Moreover, in those ferrets that refused to consume the new diet, the owners kept offering the new diet until it was consumed. How long the ferrets were offered the new diet had an incidence on results, since at least 62% of them consumed the new diet in a satisfactory fashion when it had been offered to them for at least 20 days. The change of diet in the last 6 months seemed also to influence the feeding behavior of the ferrets. The changes in BCS and weight were satisfactory as well. A significant weight gain was demonstrated in breeding ferrets and the overall BCS remains stable between the inclusion visit and the end of the study, with the majority of the ferrets maintaining a body condition score included in the 2.5—3.5/5 range. Five ferrets had lost weight at the end of the study, but this might be accounted for by their reproductive status rather than by the introduction of the new diet: one jill was lactating, four ferrets were sexually active (mating, rut, or second estrus), all conditions that
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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Palatability and digestive tolerance in adult ferrets are associated with a significant weight loss in this species. Ferrets experience significant seasonal changes in their body weight (variation of 30—40% between the winter and the summer) [1,4,5,7]. Physiologically, ferrets are overweight and even obese in the winter, and they significantly lose weight in the summer [1,4,5,7]. By introducing the new diet during the breeding period, which puts significant strain on the ferrets’ bodies, we intended to bring out any negative or positive influence the new food could have on body condition score and body weight. Ferrets pass at least four to six stools per day, depending on the type of food and the amount ingested, but also on stress and environmental conditions. Faecal quality is subject to great variations from one defecation to another. Mild and occasional digestive disorders are common in this species such as occasional occurrence of granular (known as ‘‘birdseed stool’’), mucous, or greenish stools, the appearance of diarrhea without symptoms of digestive pain or alteration in general health status. They are generally fostered by changes in diet or living conditions and disappear without treatment. It is rather common for an individual to pass a perfectly formed stool, then a granular or loose stool some hours later. Evaluating faeces quality is therefore very subjective, and the results from the owners’ evaluations should be interpreted with caution. The objective of this study was not to demonstrate the digestibility of the diet, which would have necessitated the use of specific tests, but to establish digestive tolerance and palatability as viewed by ferret owners. Eighty one percent (34/42 ferrets) showed no digestive disorders throughout the study after consuming the new diet, which was very satisfactory. When digestive disorders were observed, they did not last more than a few days when the presentation of the diet was maintained. The breeding ferrets were housed partly outdoors and partly in non-air-conditioned premises in the studied farm. At the last visit, the outdoor temperature was very high (33 ◦ C) and the premises were unusually hot. All the ferrets in the farm, included those that were not part of the study, showed a more or less significant change in their faecal consistency (decrease in faecal score). This degradation affected the whole farm: the stools examined in the cages of those animals that were not included in the study were also deteriorated (numerous green, watery stools), without alteration in general health status. The frequency of granular stools on the farm (89%) greatly exceeded the data available in this species: in 2012, a survey conducted among ferret owners and concerning 1000 ferrets from 709 pet owners had established that the prevalence of granular stools in pet ferrets was 8.9% [13]. Granular stools were significantly associated with the consumption of dry commercial diets on a daily basis. No diarrheic stools, scoring 1/5, were observed during the course of the study, which is very satisfactory, given that ferrets are prone to develop digestive disorders when changing diets. However, the ferrets in this farm formed a specific population, as they had been subject to frequent diet changes.
Conclusion The kitten formula of this new range of pet food showed an excellent palatability and a good digestive tolerance among
7 the two population studied: reproductive farm ferrets and neutered pet owner ferrets. This animal protein rich/low carbohydrate dry diet may cover the ferret’s nutritional needs while limiting carbohydrate intake, which could help prevent some affections (chronic digestive disorders, insulinoma) [1,12]. This diet enabled a notable weight gain during the breeding season, which is a significant factor in ensuring good breeding performance. A sustained presentation of the new diet, over the course of at least three weeks, improved its palatability, which was already quite high. Water intake should be monitored: it can be increased with the new diet in some individuals. Further studies in order to assess the digestibility of the diet and measuring certain biochemical parameters (total protein, urinary pH) would be valuable.
Disclosure of interest The study was funded by Virbac, the manufacturer of Veterinary HPM Baby cat, the dry food used in this study. A.L. is the principle investigator. J.F., S.F., C.S., A.B. and C.N. are employees of Virbac.
References [1] Vinke CM, Schoemaker NJ. The welfare of ferrets (Mustela putorius furo T). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2012; 139(3—4):155—68. [2] Linsart A, Blanchard G. Pathologie nutritionnelle du furet. Point Vet 2015;360:34—41. [3] Piazza S, Diez M. L’alimentation du furet (Mustela furo) : rationnement pratique et pathologie nutritionnelle. Prat Med Chir Anim Cie 2010;45(2):41—52. [4] Piazza S, Diez M. L’alimentation du furet (Mustela furo) : bases théoriques et besoins nutritionnels. État des connaissances. Prat Med Chir Anim Cie 2009;44(3): 69—76. [5] Linsart A, Blanchard G. Particularités anatomiques et comportementales, et besoins nutritionnels du furet. Point Vet 2015;353:18—21. [6] Johnson-Delaney CA. Ferret Nutrition. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2014;17(3):449—70. [7] Bell JA. Ferret Nutrition. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 1999;2(1):169—92. [8] Fekete SG, Fodor K, Prohaczik A, Andrasofszky E. Comparison of feed preference and digestion of three different commercial diets for cats and ferrets. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2005;89(3—6):199—202. [9] Verbrugghe A, Hesta M. Cats and carbohydrates: the carnivore fantasy? Vet Sci 2017;4(4):55. [10] Ball RS. Issues to Consider for Preparing Ferrets as Research Subjects in the Laboratory. ILARJ 2006;47(4): 348—57. [11] Chen S. Advanced diagnostic approaches and current medical management of insulinomas and adrenocortical disease in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2010;13(3):439—52. [12] Bakthavatchalu V, Muthupalani S, Marini RP, Fox JG. Endocrinopathy and aging in ferrets. Vet Pathol 2016;53(2):349—65. [13] Linsart A, Bourassin R, Blanchard G.Characterization of the ferret population in France — Feeding habits. Paris, France; 2015. p. 454.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets夽 Appétence et tolérance digestive d’un nouveau régime alimentaire riche en protéines et faible en carbohydrates chez des furets adultes A.J. Linsart a, J. Figuera b, S. Fournel c, C. Ségalen d, A. Batard b, C. Navarro d,∗ a
Centre hospitalier vétérinaire Saint-Martin, 275, route Impériale, 74370 Saint-Martin-Bellevue, France b VIRBAC France, 3e rue LID, 06510 Carros cedex, France c VIRBAC R&D, 1re avenue LID, 06515 Carros cedex, France d VIRBAC, 13e rue LID, BP 27, 06511 Carros cedex, France Received 21 December 2017; accepted 27 August 2018
KEYWORDS Ferret; Nutrition; Palatability; Digestive tolerance; Faeces
Summary The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is an obligate carnivore whose dietary preference is determined at an early age. As a neophobic specie, it is very difficult to change an adult ferret’s diet. The aim of this study was to assess the palatability and the digestive tolerance of a new commercial low carbohydrates/protein rich dry diet formulated for kitten in two populations: reproductive ferrets belonging to a farm and in neutered pet owner’s ferrets. The new kibbles were progressively added following a transition phase then the palatability and digestive tolerance were monitored. Palatability was very satisfying. Indeed, 26.31% and 38% of farm and pet owner ferrets respectively consumed immediately the new diet. Hundred percent of farm ferrets consumed it at the end of the dietary transition and 80% of pet owner ferrets at the end of the study. Digestive tolerance was good as some stool changes were observed in the transition period but faeces rapidly returned to normal for most animals. Further, a notable weight gain was observed in farm ferrets, which is a significant factor in ensuring good breeding performance. This new dry diet seems to constitute a balanced nutritional alternative, very palatable and well tolerated from a digestive standpoint. © 2018 AFVAC. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
夽 La lecture de cet article ouvre droit à 0,05 CFC. La déclaration de lecture, individuelle et volontaire, est à effectuer auprès du CNVFCC (cf.sommaire). ∗ Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (C. Navarro).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003 2214-5672/© 2018 AFVAC. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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MOTS CLÉS Furet ; Nutrition ; Appétence ; Tolérance digestive ; Fèces
Résumé Le furet (Mustela putorius furo) est un carnivore strict dont la préférence alimentaire est déterminée précocement. Changer le régime alimentaire d’un furet adulte est très difficile (espèce néophobe). Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer l’appétence et la tolérance digestive d’un nouvel aliment sec faible en glucides/riche en protéines, formulé pour les chatons, chez des furets reproducteurs d’élevage et des furets domestiques stérilisés. Les nouvelles croquettes ont été progressivement introduites puis l’appétence et la tolérance digestive ont été suivies. L’appétence fut très satisfaisante. En effet, 26,31 % et 38 % des furets d’élevage et domestiques respectivement ont consommé immédiatement le nouvel aliment. Cent pour cent des furets d’élevage l’ont consommé à la fin de la transition alimentaire et quatre-vingt pour cent des furets domestiques à la fin de l’étude. La tolérance digestive fut bonne. Certains changements de selles ont été observés pendant la période de transition, mais les fèces sont ensuite rapidement revenues à la normale pour la plupart des animaux. Les furets d’élevage ont gagné du poids de fac ¸on notable, ce qui est un facteur important pour assurer de bonnes performances de reproduction. Ces nouvelles croquettes semblent constituer une alternative nutritionnelle équilibrée, très appétente et bien tolérée du point de vue digestif. © 2018 AFVAC. Publi´ e par Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits r´ eserv´ es.
Introduction The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is an obligate carnivore belonging to the Mustelidae family [1]. The population of domesticated ferrets, which are quite popular pets in western countries, have been estimated to 300,000 in France in 2010 [1]. It can be fed with a commercial diet (dry or wet) or with a so-called meat ration (based on whole prey or homemade food, also known as BARF—Bones and Raw Food) [2,3]. Its dietary preferences are determined at an early age (before 4 to 6 months) [1,4,5]. It is therefore very hard to change an adult ferret’s diet [6,7]. By so, it is recommended to offer a variety of foods (kibble and meat ration) during the ferrets weaning and first months of life to guarantee a variable diet acceptance and thus ensuring a better health [1,4,5]. Due to its gastrointestinal system (poorly differentiated digestive tract, poor intestinal flora, very rapid digestive transit) and its high energetic needs (daily metabolizable energy intake is estimated to range from 200 to 300 kcal per kilogram body weight), the ferret diet required a high intake of proteins and fat [1,4,6,7]. The source of protein must be of high quality (high digestibility) and from animal origins as vegetal proteins do not cover the needs in essential amino acids and are less digestible [3,4,6—8]. Further, energy intakes above maintenance are needed for growth, gestation and lactation [4,6]. Moreover, few dry commercial diets are appropriate for ferrets: the carbohydrate content is always much higher than needed for this species, because of the nature of the ingredients and the manufacturing processes employed [3,5,6]. For feral mustelids, the only natural source of carbohydrates is the content of their prey gut [7]. Carbohydrates do not play a major role in ferret nutrition but are necessary as a jill fed with a high fat, high protein and carbohydrates-free diet leads to poorer viability on her offspring [8]. A feed preference experiment has
shown that cats and ferret have a clear preference for diets of higher fat and protein content [8]. A new range of dry diets with high protein/lowcarbohydrate formula was recently marketed, designed to match as closely as possible the nutritional needs of cats, which are, like ferrets, obligate carnivores [1,6,9]. As the ‘‘kitten’’ formula of this diet range seemed to fill the nutritional requirements of ferrets, the objective of this study was to evaluate the palatability and digestive tolerance of this new product in two types of population: farm ferrets in breeding period and neutered pet owner ferrets.
Materials and method Animals This study was conducted in France in two different type of population: farm ferrets in breeding period and pet owners’ ferrets. Reproductive, unrelated ferrets aged one year or more were selected in one farm and participated in the study in July 2016. Body condition score (BCS) had to be between 2/5 and 5/5 at inclusion: cachectic individuals were excluded. Very thin animals were not excluded when the low body condition score was attributable to the current reproductive status (lactating or pregnant jills). The farm ferrets were fed with a commercial dry diet (31% protein, 16% fat, 6.5% ash, 4% crude fiber, 1.09% Ca/P, 1.15% Calcium, 1.05% Phosphorus) provided ad libitum, completed with eviscerated chicken carcasses, chicken necks and whole preys (one-dayold chicks). In this farm, feeding management frequently changed, depending on the breeding period and food supply conditions. The animals had therefore been fed with a variety of commercial dry diets.
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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Palatability and digestive tolerance in adult ferrets Pet owner ferrets were recruited through a veterinary clinic from May to September 2016. These ferrets were patients presented for preventive medical check-ups, geriatric assessments, or minor health issues unrelated to the digestive tract. They represented the typical population found in a veterinary practice. All of them were neutered at the time of the study, 31 were surgically neutered and 18 were implanted subcutaneously with desloreline. Their BCS had to be between 2.5 and 3.5/5: very thin, cachectic, and obese individuals were excluded. Ferrets suffering occasionally from mild digestive disorders were not excluded from the study but the ones suffering from severe, chronic or life-threatening conditions were not included in the study.
3 free from zoo technological issues (water intake, hygiene and environment) or diseases. A detailed questionnaire was given to the breeder and owners so that they could report any difficulty they might meet. The animals’ food consumption, stool aspect, and behavior were thus monitored on a daily basis. As it is common for owners to give their animals different diets during the same period, or at different periods in their life, it was important to establish the diet’s palatability and digestive tolerance regardless of the previous diets.
Body condition score (BCS) assessment and weight evaluation
Study design At the inclusion visit (D0), the breeder and pet owners were given information about the study design. The animals were clinically examined and digestive pain, borborygmes (abdomen auscultation) and diarrhea were systematically searched for. The new low carbohydrate diet, intended for kittens (Table 1), was introduced on D1 through a 10-day transition. This diet transition guaranteed that the digestive tract had time to progressively adapt to the new diet. After the transition period, the palatability and digestive tolerance of the new diet were then assessed for the 12 following days. For farm ferrets, an additional follow-up visit was made at D9, at the end of the diet transition phase. At each visit, the whole farm was also inspected in order to ensure that it was
Table 1
Body condition score (BCS) was assessed while holding the ferret by the scruff. The silhouette was observed as the animal was maintained in a vertical position. Axillary and inguinal folds were palpated, as well as the thorax and the abdomen, in order to estimate the thickness of subcutaneous fat and determine whether intra-abdominal fat was abundant. The scoring was 1/5 for cachectic ferrets, 2/5 for thin ferrets, 3/5 for the ferrets showing a normal silhouette, 4/5 for moderately overweight ferrets, 5/5 for obese ferrets. The farm ferrets were weighed at the first and the last visit. Weight gain and weight loss were considered significant when greater than 40 g at the end of the 22 days of the study (equivalent to a mean weight loss/gain per week of 10—15% for an adult ferret). Weight changes (gain, stability or loss)
Composition of the Virbac HPM Baby Pre Neutered Cat© dry diet and recommendation nutrient levels for ferrets..
Protein Fat Ash Crude fiber NFE Ca/P
Analytical constituents (% dry matter)
Recommended nutrient levels for ferrets (% dry matter) [5]
47.62 21.16 8.99 4.23 17.99 1.2
35—65 25—40 5—9 1—3 < 10 1.2—1.7 % crude matter
Nutrition information from the manufacturer Moisture Starch Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Omega-6 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids
5.5 13.5 1.2 1 0.7 2.9 0.9
Calculated metabolisable energy (kcal/100 g) In vivo measured metabolisable energy (kcal/100 g)
387 406
Ingredients: dehydrated pork and poultry proteins, animal fats, hydrolysed animal proteins, potato starch (min. 8%), whole pea (min. 6%), rice, lignocellulose, bean hulls, mineral salts, fish oil, beet pulp, linseed, fructo-oligosaccharides, psyllium fibre, yeast beta-glucan (500 mg/kg), chitosan (800 mg/kg), artichoke leave dry extract (500 mg/kg), pasteurised Lactobacillus acidophilus (7 mg/kg) Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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were also compared to measurement made in the same farm and period in July 2012.
Palatability The immediate palatability of the new diet was evaluated for the farm’s ferrets, by presenting the kibbles in small amounts to each ferret after the clinical examination at the inclusion visit (D0). The overall palatability was assessed in both populations of ferrets by comparing their feeding behaviors (new diet vs previous diet).
Digestive tolerance Faeces were observed in the cages. In case the cage housed several (up to 3) animals, the faecal score was individually assigned when a ferret was seen defecating; otherwise the same score was attributed to all the animals in the cage. A faecal scoring system was used to objectively assess faecal quality: 1/5 for diarrheic, very liquid, either homogenous or heterogeneous stools, 2/5 for soft to doughy, loose, either homogenous or heterogeneous stools, 3/5 for granular stools, 4/5 for normal stools and 5/5 for formed but hard stools leaving no traces following their removal. The evolution of faecal scores was monitored and qualified as ‘‘degradation’’ when one point was lost, ‘‘stable’’ ‘‘when the score variation was ± 0.5 points, and ‘‘improvement’’ when one point was gained.
Statistical analysis The statistical analysis were performed on SAS 9.4 software depending on the type of parameters. For quantitative parameters (weight change between D0 and the end of the study), paired t-test was applied. For scores (BSC and faecal score change between D0 and the end of the study), Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was applied.
Results Ferret population Thirty-eight entire ferrets (22 females and 16 males), aged between 1 to 5 years, were recruited in one breeding farm. Forty-nine neutered ferrets (28 females and 21 males) belonging to 15 different pet owners and aged from 5 months to 8 years (mean 4.27 years), were recruited. Before the study, 47 ferrets (96%) were fed commercial dry diet ® ® daily (Origen Cat and Kitten (25/47), Totally Ferret Active © (13/47), Versele Laga Ferret Complete (9/47), Hamiform ® ® Furet© (1/47) and Purina Pro Plan Junior (1/47)). 24/49 of them (49%) were fed a dry diet, and 23/49 (47%) were on a mixed diet (dry diet and meat, or dry and wet commercial diets). Two ferrets (4%) were fed meat ration only. Around 23/49 ferrets (47%) had had a change in diet in the six months preceding the study.
Figure 1. Body condition score in farm ferrets. Body condition score was assessed at inclusion (D0, in gray) and at the end of the study (D22, in black). Results are expressed in term of percentage of ferrets, n = 38.
Body condition score and weight monitoring in farm ferrets The mean BCS was 2.86 ± 0.72 at inclusion (range from 1/5 to 5/5) and was significantly increased to 3.22 ± 0.81 (range from 2/5 to 5/5) at the end of the study (P = 0.0001 Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for paired samples). Twenty-four ferrets (63%) ranged from 2.5/5 to 3.5/5 at the inclusion visit as well as at the end of the study (Fig. 1). Mean weight at inclusion was 927.25 g ± 276.5 (range from 494 to 1565 g). At the end of the study period, mean weight was 981 g ± 307.2 (range from 520 to 1630 g), which represents a significant increase (P = 0.0005, Student’s t test for paired samples). Eleven ferrets maintained their weight throughout the study (−10 to+25 g). Twenty showed a significant weight gain from 40 to 216 g (mean weight of 955.1 ± 299.8 and 1060 ± 288.6 at inclusion and end of the study respectively) with significant improvement of BCS (3.05 ± 0.69 ranged from 2/5 to 4.5/5 at inclusion, and 3.55 ± 0.78 ranged from 2.5/5 to 5/5 at the end of the study). Five ferrets displayed a significant weight loss (from 46 to 124 g) at the end of the study (mean weight of 830.4 ± 146.5 and 750 ± 156.9 at inclusion and end of study respectively). However, body condition scores for these 5 ferrets that had lost weight were stable (4 ferrets) or improved (1 ferret) throughout the study (mean BCS 2.80 ± 0.84 and 3 ± 0.7 at inclusion and end of study respectively). Compared to the same period in 2012, weight gain at the end of the breeding season was improved and weight loss was reduced with the new diet: 53% of the ferrets gained weight in 2016 vs 45% in 2012, 29% maintained their weight in 2016 vs 14% in 2012 and only 13% loused weight in 2016 vs 41% in 2012.
Palatability The immediate palatability of the new diet in farm’s ferrets was low: ten ferrets immediately consumed the new
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Palatability and digestive tolerance in adult ferrets
5 • 5/49 (10%) tasted then rejected the new diet (of these 5 ferrets, three preferred it at the end of the study and the other two continued to reject it); • 9/49 (18%) completely refused to consume the new dry diet for the first 4 days of the diet transition period (8 ferrets that refused to test the new diet throughout the study and one ferret that adopted it later without difficulty). At the end of the study (Table 2), 39/49 ferrets (80%) consumed the new kibbles while 10/49 ferrets (20%) persisted in completely refusing to consume the new dry diet (among them, only 2 ferrets had tasted the new diet then refused it). For 25 ferrets (51%), the owners felt consumption was very satisfactory.
Digestive tolerance Figure 2. Immediate palatability in owner ferrets within the first four days of presentation of the new diet. Results are divided in three conditions: ferrets with a diet change in the 6 months prior to the study (n = 23, in gray), ferrets with no diet change in the 6 months prior to the study (n = 26, in hatched gray) and overall population (n = 49, in black). Results are expressed in term of percentage of ferrets.
kibbles; four ferrets showed a strong interest by sniffing the new diet but didn’t consume it in the end; and twenty four ferrets didn’t immediately taste the new kibbles. However, the diet transition was easily implemented with all the ferrets consuming the new diet without difficulty, once present in their usual environment. The breeders noticed neither rejection behavior nor decrease in dietary consumption after introducing the new kibbles. They reported no feed sorting behavior. The animals didn’t beg more than usual, and didn’t turn away from the new diet when delivered. The animals displayed no noticeable stress. No change in the overall water consumption was observed. For the 49 owners’ ferrets, the overall palatability was good: over the course of the study, 41 ferrets (84%) had consumed the new diet at least once. The results for immediate palatability of the new dry diet were as follows (Fig. 2): • 19/49 (39%) ferrets consumed indifferently the new kibbles and the previous one (of these 19 ferrets, 6 preferred the new diet at the end of the study, 11 consumed the previous and new diets indifferently and 2 seemed to prefer it less); • 16/49 (33%) sorted then ate the previous kibbles;
The majority of the farm ferrets (89%) had a faecal score of 3.5/5 at the inclusion visit and at the end of the diet transition period (D9), the majority of the ferrets (71%) had a faecal score of 4/5. On D9, among the 38 ferrets, three had no stools in their cages; one showed an improvement in its faecal score, 27 maintained their faecal scores and 7 presented a degradation in their faecal scores. The distribution of the faecal scores varied more considerably at the end of the study (D22) (Fig. 3): 1/38 ferret showed an improvement in its faecal score, 28 maintained their faecal scores and 9 presented a degradation in their faecal
Figure 3. Faecal score in farm ferrets during the study. Faecal score was assessed at inclusion (D0, in gray), after the diet transition phase (D9, in hatched gray) and at the end of the study (D22, in black). Results are expressed in term of percentage of ferrets.
Table 2 Palatability of pet owners ferret at the end of the study depending if they had a diet change 6 months prior to the study or not.
Refused the new diet Seemed to really less prefer Seemed to rather less prefer Seemed to consume indifferently Seemed to rather prefer Seemed to really prefer
Diet change 6 months prior study
No diet change 6 month prior study
Overall study population
13.04% (3) 34.78% (8) 4.35% (1) 13.04% (3) 0 34.78% (8)
26.92% (7) 11.54% (3) 7.69% (2) 38.46% (10) 15.38% (4) 0
20.41% (10) 22.45% (11) 6.12% (3) 26.53% (13) 8.16% (4) 16.33% (8)
39.13% (9) 47.83% (11)
28.57% (5) 53.84% (14)
28.57% (14) 51.02% (25)
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scores. A significant decrease in faecal quality was observed over the study period between D0 and D22 (mean faecal score of 3.5 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 0.6 at D0 and D22 respectively, P = 0.0013 for Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for paired samples). Nevertheless, no watery stool (diarrhea) scoring 1/5, was observed over the course of the study. Among the 5 farm ferrets that had significantly lost weight at the end of the study, 3 ferrets presented a degradation in their faecal scores and 2 ferrets maintained their faecal scores. Among the 11 ferrets that had maintained their weight over the course of the study, 10 had no significant changes in their faecal scores (± 0.5 points) and one jill showed an improvement in her faecal scores. Among the 20 ferrets that had significantly gained weight at the end of the study, 15 had stable faecal scores and 5 exhibited a degradation in faeces quality. Among the 42 owners’ ferrets that had consumed the new diet, 34/42 ferrets (81%) had no digestive disorders throughout the course of the study and 8/42 ferrets (19%) presented stool changes. Water intake did not change for 35/42 ferrets that tasted the new diet whereas it was increased for seven ferrets.
Discussion The ferret has a short intestinal tract with a rapid transit time and a relatively simple gut flora [1,4,6,7]. As its energy requirement is high, it is of great importance to select a palatable, high quality diet [10]. Palatability is a major concern, thus a well-balanced mink diet with a strong fishy flavor was so unpalatable for ferret that pets firmly refused to eat it [7]. Further, immediate palatability and stool aspect after putting their animal on a new diet are decisive criteria for its continuing use by the owner. It is thus important that the diet recommended by the veterinarian be both appropriate and balanced from a nutritional standpoint, but also that the animal enjoy it, and that it allow the production of stool considered normal by the owner. An incorrect nutrition of the ferret (such as with base diet of low-cost grocery store) can directly or indirectly be related to serious health problem. An unbalanced diet such as high carbohydrate/low protein diet (i.e. dog food, base diet of low-cost grocery store) may lead to malnutrition, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infection and obesity [2,7]. Thus, an excess in carbohydrates in the diet is suggested to predispose the ferret to develop insulinoma, the most frequent tumor in the older ferret, by excessive stimulation of insulin production [2,3,11,12]. Excess fiber or other carbohydrates tend to attract liquids into the intestinal lumen and cause a laxative effect resulting in loose, bulky stools. The irritation due to excess fiber could favor ulcerations and even lead to neoplasia [2,3]. Young ferrets fed with low quality diet are at risk of developing Helicobacter gastritis and ulcers, as well as Lawsonia intracellularis proliferative enterocolitis [3,7]. The presence of excess vegetal protein in the diet is also correlated with urolithiasis through the alkalinisation of the urinary pH [2,3,7]. It is no small task to convert ferrets to a new diet (neophobia) [6,7]. Hence the consumption rate for this new diet in both breeding ferrets and owners’ ferrets was very satisfactory. In the farm used in this study, palatability proved
excellent, especially in a species that is known to be hard to convert to new diets [1,6,7], as 26% of the ferrets consumed the new kibbles immediately and 10% sniffed it with interest when initially presented with it. It is noteworthy that the context surrounding the presentation of the new kibbles was unusual for the animals: their handling outside their cages and the smell of the other ferrets previously examined generated significant excitement, which interfered with the introduction of the new kibbles; despite this, the new diet demonstrated a good immediate palatability. The diet transition was carried out without difficulty, and at the end of the study 100% of the farm animals consumed the new diet. However, these results should be interpreted with caution: these farm ferrets were used to change diets on a regular basis and indeed formed a specific population, differing from the animals brought to veterinary clinics. At the end of this study, 80% of the owners’ ferrets consumed the new diet, in a satisfactory fashion for 51% of the overall population. Group influence or the owners’ state of mind probably played a role in these results: two pet owners obtained perfectly homogeneous results. Five ferrets from the same pet owner completely refused the new diet throughout the study, while 8 ferrets from another pet owner consumed it immediately, and indifferently from the previous diet, throughout the study. How long the new diet was offered also seemed to play a role, as palatability increased significantly in ferrets having been offered the new diet for at least 20 days. The complete refusal to consume the new diet was spread among all the age classes. However, the appetence for the new diet was observed starting at 24 months. Indeed, the 6 ferrets younger than 24 months did not seem to appreciate the new diet, when consuming it. The only two ferrets fed with meat ration exclusively and another ferret with a reputation for being very picky, and that had never before accepted a diet change, completely refused to consume the new kibble, confirming the difficulty to change a ferret’s eating habit [6,7]. Otherwise, the origin of the animal, coming from associations, farms or pet shops did not seem to impact the palatability of the new diet, as the same percentage (about 75—80%) of ferrets consumed the new kibbles at the end of the study. The duration of the study averaged 20.3 days for all of the 49 owners’ ferrets, longer than the ten days initially planned. The amount of kibbles offered was higher than what the ferrets needed in most cases. Moreover, in those ferrets that refused to consume the new diet, the owners kept offering the new diet until it was consumed. How long the ferrets were offered the new diet had an incidence on results, since at least 62% of them consumed the new diet in a satisfactory fashion when it had been offered to them for at least 20 days. The change of diet in the last 6 months seemed also to influence the feeding behavior of the ferrets. The changes in BCS and weight were satisfactory as well. A significant weight gain was demonstrated in breeding ferrets and the overall BCS remains stable between the inclusion visit and the end of the study, with the majority of the ferrets maintaining a body condition score included in the 2.5—3.5/5 range. Five ferrets had lost weight at the end of the study, but this might be accounted for by their reproductive status rather than by the introduction of the new diet: one jill was lactating, four ferrets were sexually active (mating, rut, or second estrus), all conditions that
Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003
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Palatability and digestive tolerance in adult ferrets are associated with a significant weight loss in this species. Ferrets experience significant seasonal changes in their body weight (variation of 30—40% between the winter and the summer) [1,4,5,7]. Physiologically, ferrets are overweight and even obese in the winter, and they significantly lose weight in the summer [1,4,5,7]. By introducing the new diet during the breeding period, which puts significant strain on the ferrets’ bodies, we intended to bring out any negative or positive influence the new food could have on body condition score and body weight. Ferrets pass at least four to six stools per day, depending on the type of food and the amount ingested, but also on stress and environmental conditions. Faecal quality is subject to great variations from one defecation to another. Mild and occasional digestive disorders are common in this species such as occasional occurrence of granular (known as ‘‘birdseed stool’’), mucous, or greenish stools, the appearance of diarrhea without symptoms of digestive pain or alteration in general health status. They are generally fostered by changes in diet or living conditions and disappear without treatment. It is rather common for an individual to pass a perfectly formed stool, then a granular or loose stool some hours later. Evaluating faeces quality is therefore very subjective, and the results from the owners’ evaluations should be interpreted with caution. The objective of this study was not to demonstrate the digestibility of the diet, which would have necessitated the use of specific tests, but to establish digestive tolerance and palatability as viewed by ferret owners. Eighty one percent (34/42 ferrets) showed no digestive disorders throughout the study after consuming the new diet, which was very satisfactory. When digestive disorders were observed, they did not last more than a few days when the presentation of the diet was maintained. The breeding ferrets were housed partly outdoors and partly in non-air-conditioned premises in the studied farm. At the last visit, the outdoor temperature was very high (33 ◦ C) and the premises were unusually hot. All the ferrets in the farm, included those that were not part of the study, showed a more or less significant change in their faecal consistency (decrease in faecal score). This degradation affected the whole farm: the stools examined in the cages of those animals that were not included in the study were also deteriorated (numerous green, watery stools), without alteration in general health status. The frequency of granular stools on the farm (89%) greatly exceeded the data available in this species: in 2012, a survey conducted among ferret owners and concerning 1000 ferrets from 709 pet owners had established that the prevalence of granular stools in pet ferrets was 8.9% [13]. Granular stools were significantly associated with the consumption of dry commercial diets on a daily basis. No diarrheic stools, scoring 1/5, were observed during the course of the study, which is very satisfactory, given that ferrets are prone to develop digestive disorders when changing diets. However, the ferrets in this farm formed a specific population, as they had been subject to frequent diet changes.
Conclusion The kitten formula of this new range of pet food showed an excellent palatability and a good digestive tolerance among
7 the two population studied: reproductive farm ferrets and neutered pet owner ferrets. This animal protein rich/low carbohydrate dry diet may cover the ferret’s nutritional needs while limiting carbohydrate intake, which could help prevent some affections (chronic digestive disorders, insulinoma) [1,12]. This diet enabled a notable weight gain during the breeding season, which is a significant factor in ensuring good breeding performance. A sustained presentation of the new diet, over the course of at least three weeks, improved its palatability, which was already quite high. Water intake should be monitored: it can be increased with the new diet in some individuals. Further studies in order to assess the digestibility of the diet and measuring certain biochemical parameters (total protein, urinary pH) would be valuable.
Disclosure of interest The study was funded by Virbac, the manufacturer of Veterinary HPM Baby cat, the dry food used in this study. A.L. is the principle investigator. J.F., S.F., C.S., A.B. and C.N. are employees of Virbac.
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Please cite this article in press as: Linsart AJ, et al. Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets. Revue vétérinaire clinique (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anicom.2018.08.003