![]() ![]() Therefore, taurine concentrations could be affected by exposure to taurine-degrading GIT microbes and subsequent freezer storage. When an entire carcass is ground, taurine-rich organs and muscles are exposed to GIT (gastrointestinal tract) contents containing potentially taurine-degrading bacteria. ![]() It is unknown how post-slaughter handling (i.e., dressing carcasses, grinding, freezer storage) affects nutrient concentration or availability of nutrients, including taurine. ![]() Additionally, analyses of various frozen whole-prey samples indicate possible insufficiencies in select essential AA ( 9). Rabbits are a popular whole-prey item however, information on nutrient composition is limited or conflicting ( 8, 9, 21– 24), and DCM secondary to taurine deficiency was reported in cats fed frozen whole ground raw rabbit ( 25). Greater than 50% of required dietary taurine replaces taurine degraded by intestinal microbes ( 5) however, many dietary and processing factors influence the amount required ( 10– 20). However, taurine requirements, known to vary by diet type, remain undefined for whole-prey diets. ![]() Whole-prey diets are increasing in popularity for domestic cats ( 8, 9) and are common for captive exotic felids. In particular, taurine deficiency can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), reproductive abnormalities, and central retinal degeneration in both domestic and exotic felids ( 5– 7). Accordingly, compared to dogs, cats have increased protein and amino acid (AA) requirements, differences in carbohydrate metabolism, and certain nutrients with limited endogenous synthesis remain essential ( 5). The domestic cat ( Felis silvestris catus) has been a successful hunter throughout its evolution and typically consumes a wide range of small prey ( 1– 4). Determination of taurine requirements of cats fed whole-prey diets is warranted. Taurine supplementation is recommended when feeding rabbit to cats. However, although feline taurine requirements for prey and other raw or fresh food diets remain undefined, none of the rabbit samples met any recommendation for taurine concentrations for commercial canned or dry extruded diets, ranging from 20 to 90% of the minimum values. In contrast, there was minimal impact of treatment on taurine concentrations. Regardless, all essential amino acids except taurine exceeded Association of American Feed Control Officials and National Research Council nutrient recommendations for all feline life stages. After freezing, only methionine was lower and only proline was higher when gastrointestinal tracts were omitted (g/16 g N basis p < 0.05). Freezing at −18☌ for 30 days had no effect on crude protein or body water content. When normalized for protein content, only glutamate, alanine, methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine, lysine, histidine, and arginine were greater in fresh rabbits without gastrointestinal tracts (g/16 g N basis p < 0.05). Amino acids were greater in fresh samples without gastrointestinal tracts ( p < 0.05) except taurine, glycine, and cysteine. Crude protein, body water, and amino acid concentrations were evaluated in fresh and frozen ground rabbits with ( n=10) or without ( n = 10) gastrointestinal tracts. However, prior analyses of prey indicate possible essential amino acid inadequacy, and dilated cardiomyopathy from taurine deficiency was reported in cats fed whole ground rabbit. Whole-prey diets for exotic feline species are common, and this practice has also increased in popularity for domestic cats. 2Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.1Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States. ![]()
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