Böswald Linda F, Matzek Dana, Popper Bastian
Chair for Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schönleutnerstr. 8, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
Biomedical Center, Core Facility Animal Models, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Straße 9, 82152 München, Germany.
Animals (Basel). 2022 May 1;12(9):1163. doi: 10.3390/ani12091163.
African clawed frogs are common animal models used in various research areas. However, husbandry and especially feeding regimens are not nearly as standardized as is established for other laboratory animals. We recorded the diets and feeding protocols commonly used in laboratory practice in a questionnaire (18 responses). The survey revealed a wide variety of housing conditions. Feeding protocols and, in particular, diet composition varied considerably between facilities. While diets tailored to Xenopus were used in the majority, differences in feeding frequency and dietary components were noted. From five responses, the weekly feed intake per frog could be calculated, showing considerable differences in dry matter intake (1.37-5.4 g). The labelled nutrient content of the diets fed in the facilities (n = 10) met the recommendations in most cases, with protein as the major energy source. However, the mineral content varied markedly between diets. Both floating and sinking diets were used, while quickly sinking diets were associated with feed leftovers. Feed processing may likely influence feed intake behavior. Further research is needed to ensure standardization for aquatic species with respect to husbandry systems, feeding regimens, and especially the nutrient composition of feeds. Furthermore, this work will contribute positively to animal welfare and the comparability of research results.
非洲爪蟾是各个研究领域常用的动物模型。然而，与其他实验动物相比，其饲养管理，尤其是喂食方案远未标准化。我们通过问卷调查（共收到18份回复）记录了实验室实际使用的饮食和喂食方案。调查显示饲养条件多种多样。不同设施之间的喂食方案，尤其是饮食组成差异很大。虽然大多数设施使用了为爪蟾量身定制的饮食，但在喂食频率和饮食成分方面存在差异。从5份回复中，可以计算出每只青蛙的每周采食量，结果显示干物质摄入量存在显著差异（1.37 - 5.4克）。设施中喂食的日粮（n = 10）的标签营养成分在大多数情况下符合建议，以蛋白质作为主要能量来源。然而，不同日粮之间的矿物质含量差异明显。漂浮和下沉日粮都在使用，而快速下沉的日粮会产生饲料残留。饲料加工可能会影响采食量行为。需要进一步研究以确保水产动物在饲养系统、喂食方案，特别是饲料营养成分方面的标准化。此外，这项工作将对动物福利和研究结果的可比性产生积极贡献。
