Authors : N. Hetènyi, Zs. Lang, E. Andrásofszky and I. Hullár
Abstract: Herbivore tortoises such as Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) consume a wide variety of fibrous feeds in the nature. Contrary to that in captivity tortoises get feeds low in Crude Fibre (CF) which leads to fibre deficiency and accelerated growth rate. Aim of our study was to investigate the Dry Matter (DM) intake of Hermann’s tortoises in connection with CF and DM contents of the diets. Tortoises (n = 10, body weight: 683.7±89.8 g) were housed individually. Three diets (A: DM 6.6%, CF 16.5%/DM; B: DM 9.5%, CF 22.1% DM and C: DM 18.9%, CF 27.4% DM) were prepared by using the same components (chopped lettuce, carrot and meadow hay) in different proportions. The 24 h feed intakes were tested for 3×4 days/diet with 2 weeks of acclimatisation. The DM intake of the tortoises was lower in case of diet C compared to diet A and B (p<0.001). Diet A and B did not differ significantly (p = 0.801). According to our results, the CF should be between 22.1-27.4% on DM basis to decrease the feed consumption, hence, preventing the fast growth rate.
N. Hetènyi, Zs. Lang, E. Andrásofszky and I. Hullár, 2019. Fibrous Diets for Herbivore Tortoises. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 18: 139-142.