Influence of Protein Level and Supplementary L-Methionine and Lysine on Growth Performance and Fur Quality of Blue Fox ( Alopex lagopus )

The influence of dietary protein content and composition on growing-furring blue fox ( Alopex lagopus ) was studied with three protein levels [15%, 22.5% and 30% of metabolizable energy (ME) from protein]. The two lowest diets were fed as such, or as supplemented with L-methionine or lysine. Growth, from the start of the experiment in July to mid-September, improved with increasing protein level ( P < 0.01). Lysine supplementation, unlike methionine, decreased early growth ( P <0.05). During the last months of the experimental period, differences in weight gain between the groups evened out. Skin length and quality declined with decreasing protein level ( P <0.05). Methionine and lysine had opposite effects on skin length ( P <0.10). For normal body growth and skin length, a level of 0.40 g of digestible L-methionine MJ -1 ME, and 25-32% protein in feed dry matter, was required. When feed ingredients are deficient in methionine, a supplementation is recommended. Methionine is the first limiting amino acid of the two amino acids studied here.

Keywords:

• Amino Acid
• Growing-FURRING Blue Fox (ALOPEX Lagopus)
• Protein Requirement