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Challenges with effective nutrient supplementation for amphibians: A review of cricket studies
Author(s) -
Livingston Shan,
Lavin Shana R.,
Sullivan Kathleen,
Attard Lydia,
Valdes Eduardo V.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.21177
Subject(s) - biology , nutrient , context (archaeology) , insect , essential nutrient , microbiology and biotechnology , amphibian , vitamin , micronutrient , ecology , endocrinology , paleontology , chemistry , organic chemistry
Over the last 25 years, numerous studies have investigated the impact of insect supplementation on insect nutrient content. In light of recent nutrition related challenges with regards to zoo amphibians fed an insect based diet, this review attempts to comprehensively compile both anecdotal and published data in the context of practical application on this topic. Insects, primarily crickets, used for amphibian diets historically demonstrate low concentrations of key nutrients including calcium and vitamin A. Commonly used practices for supplementation involving powder dusting or gut loading have been shown to improve delivery of calcium and vitamin A, though often not reaching desired nutrient concentrations. The large variety of factors influencing insect nutrient content are difficult to control, making study design, and results often inconsistent. Formulation and availability of more effective gut loading diets, combined with a standardized protocol for insect husbandry and dietary management may be the most effective way to supplement insects for use in amphibian feeding programs. Ideally, the nutritional improvement of feeder insects would begin at the breeder level; however, until this becomes a viable choice, we confirm that supplementation of crickets through both gut‐loading and dusting appear necessary to support the nutritional health of amphibians and other insectivores in managed collections. Zoo Biol. 33:565–576, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.