title: Effect of feed type and sex on digestibility and feed efficiency utilization in black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata).
abstract: Digestibility, feed efficiency, and the effect of sex were evaluated in black iguanas (Ctenosaura pectinata) using two commercial pellets (rabbit and chicken). The experiment was performed in 80 iguanas in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 2×2 over 105 days. No differences were detected by food type in weight gain (chicken vs. rabbit: 121 vs. 154 mg/d) and daily intake (chicken vs. rabbit: 524 vs. 551 mg/d), but differences were detected (P<0.05) in feed conversion (chicken vs. rabbit: 6.45 vs. 4.47). Rabbit pellets showed higher digestibility than chicken food (P<0.01) in dry matter (59.8 vs. 41.4%) and NDF (55.4 vs. 43.6%), respectively. Sex had no effect in any of the variable responses. Black iguanas can be raised since 6 months old in captivity with commercial food designed for rabbit or broiler. No special physiological adaptations occur in black iguanas correlated with change in feeding habits during ontogeny.
authors.affiliation: Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo, México.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rueda-Zozaya
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: V H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Reynoso
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008116:Lizards / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics