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Gut loading to enhance the nutrient content of insects as food for reptiles: A mathematical approach by Mark D. Finke is a Environmental Science article available to read on EtoBox.

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## Abstract A variety of commercially raised insects are fed to insectivorous reptiles, but information concerning appropriate diets used to feed these insects is limited. In the present study, house crickets (__Acheta domesticus__ adults and nymphs), mealworms (__Tenebrio molitor__ larvae), and silkworms (__Bombyx mori__ larvae) were fed diets containing graded levels of calcium (Ca) and/or vitamin A–nutrients that are low or absent in most insects. Diets and insects were analyzed for moisture, Ca, phosphorus (P), and vitamin A. For adult crickets and cricket nymphs, body Ca and vitamin A concentrations increased in a linear fashion with increasing levels of dietary Ca or vitamin A. Ca concentrations of silkworms also increased in a linear fashion with increasing levels of dietary Ca. For mealworms, body Ca and vitamin A concentrations increased in a nonlinear fashion with increasing levels of dietary Ca or vitamin A. These regression equations, in conjunction with insect nutrient composition, allow for the calculation of the optimum nutrient concentration for gut‐loading diets. Final recommendations were based on National Research Council (NRC) requirements for rats, adjustments

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Author

Mark D. Finke

Publisher

John Wiley and Sons; Wiley (John Wiley & Sons); John Wiley & Sons Inc.; Wiley (ISSN 0733-3188)

Published

2003

Language

EN

Field

Environmental Science (Life Sciences)