Horse is fed for a combination of economical and nutritional reasons, it also seems to be very palatable but having never tasted it I can only assume because of the colour that it has a richer flavour - I'm sure they would prefer deer but know of few collections that can afford venison Horse generally comes from fallen racehorses/ex pets from recognised abattoirs, these abattoirs also supply the greyhound racing industry and pet food manufacturers.
Animals I have worked with certainly seem prefer horse to beef, lamb, calf and mutton. Although all seem to show an overall preference for rabbit.
Those of you who read zoobiology will know that the calcium/phosphorous ratio of horse meat is very low so it should be supplemented and/or fed on the bone with skin/hair in order to meet the nutritional needs of the individual and prevent disorders such as osteoporosis.
That being said that seems an awfully large meal for a little cub
This is very interesting Naimsindi my friend , i always wondered why horse meat was fed to carnivores in zoological gardens. What other type of carnivores besides Big cats are fed Horse meat? It is indeed a very large meal for a cub although this small fellow seems to be thoroughly enjoying his meal.
Like I said, he stole it off his mum lol.
I've seen small cats fed, like Naimsindi said, on rabbits, although I've seen wolves fed it, as well as bears and meerkats.
Like I said, he stole it off his mum lol.
I've seen small cats fed, like Naimsindi said, on rabbits, although I've seen wolves fed it, as well as bears and meerkats.
wow meerkats also ? that is bizarre ,i would never have imagined them to be fed on horse meat , i thought they were only fed amongst other things small insects ,fruit , grubs and at the most mice or dead chicks , or am i mistaken that you mean meerkats being fed on rabbits ? hahahaha i am kind of confused
Naughty bub Doesn't suprise me as Howletts don't believe in unnecessary separation so do not separate for feeding.
I have personally seen horse fed to felids, ursids and canids as well as on occasion to otters and raptors. With smaller carnivores it is usually fed as part of a varied diet.
The cub's mother, Nika, lived in a family siuation when she was at Marwell, living with her father, mother and brother before she moved to Howletts. This may have influenced the raising in my opinion.
