Adaptação de dieta para onça parda (Puma concolor capricornensis) usando produtos formulados para gato doméstico (Felis silvestres catus)

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to analyze the efficiency of industrial foods formulated for domestic cats (Felis silvestres catus) used in the feeding of a large wild cat. The studied animal was a specimen of puma (Puma concolor capricornensis), which was born at a zoo, located in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará state and was raised under human care for clinical reasons. The animal was studied until 7 months of age, and the animal’s weights were collected daily. The animal's diet was composed of PetMilk® surrogate, by Mother & Cat® ration for 1 to 4 weeks old kittens and pregnant and lactating dam and meat from mice (Mus musculus), mecol (Rattus norvegicus) and Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), reared in an animal house. To analyze the efficiency of the diet, the growth curve of the animal was examined, the growth rate calculated and was compared to the rates of other animals of the same species found in the literature. The experimental animal had lower growth rates than animals with which was compared. The diet provided fulfilled the purpose of ensure the animal's survival, this shows that the industrial products formulated for domestic felines are possible substitutes to use in the feeding of this large feline in neonatal phase. However a greater research to understand the need for supplementation to improve the rate of growth of the animal, in addition to scientific disclosures of the formulations used in the animal diet and similar conditions.