Fitch diets in New Zealand: an analytical survey

Abstract

Fitch diets from 30 farms were surveyed and analysed for moisture, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, ash, fat and individual fatty acids, fat peroxide value, and ∝-tocopherol. The dietary raw materials most often used were mutton, fish, poultry, beef and cereals. Eight of the 30 breeders added no vitamin or other supplements. Analytical mean (range) values on a wet matter basis were: moisture, 66.3 (49.6–76.8)%; protein, 16.5 (12.4–21.2)%; carbohydrate, 2.5 (<0.1-8.7)%; fibre, 0.4 (0.1–1.0)%; ash, 3.7 (1.2–8.3)%; fat, 10.6 (1.4–26.1)%; peroxide value, 5.7 (0.3–110) m.equiv./kg fat; ∝-tocopherol, 13 (0.6–103) mg/kg; calculated gross energy value, 7.2 (3.7–13.7) MJ/kg. Protein contributed 42 (20–79)% of the gross energy value; fat, 49 (15–74)%, and carbohydrate, 6 (0–20)%. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) comprised 10 (3.6–39)% of the total fatty acids. The ratio of ∝-tocopherol to PUFA was 2.1 (0.1–10.5) mg/g. Results of the survey are discussed in the light of nutrient requirements for the fitch.