What are the main nutritional needs of turtles?

What are the nutritional requirements of turtles?

1, protein

Nutrients in protein are the most important to the growth and development

What are the main nutritional needs of turtles?

What are the nutritional requirements of turtles?

1, protein

Nutrients in protein are the most important to the growth and development of turtles, and turtles need to get a lot of protein in their daily feed. The protein content of turtle feed is generally determined according to the turtle's demand for protein. The total demand of turtles of different ages for protein is different, and the specific arrangement is as follows: young turtles > young turtles > parent turtles > adult turtles. Young turtles have the highest demand for protein, and the demand for protein gradually decreases with the growth of individuals. In addition, protein in the feed cannot be directly absorbed by soft-shelled turtle after ingestion, and can only be absorbed smoothly after it is decomposed into amino acids by enzymolysis, and then the required protein can be synthesized in its body. Therefore, the nutritional value of feed is not only related to the quantity of protein, but also related to the composition of amino acids in protein. In addition, when preparing feed for soft-shelled turtle, animal protein should be used instead of plant protein.

2. Fat

Fat is the main source of energy storage and supply in the body, and it also contains a variety of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, so fat is also one of the main nutritional needs of turtles. Defatted fish meal is generally used in artificial turtle feed, and adding proper amount of vegetable oil to the feed is helpful to improve the utilization rate and growth rate of turtle feed. However, the feed added with oil is often prone to rancidity and oxidation, which leads to the reduction of feed nutrition level and even the production of harmful toxins. Therefore, the feed added with oil should be stored at low temperature, sealed and protected from light, and an appropriate amount of antioxidants should be added.

3. carbohydrates

Carbohydrate is the main source of animal heat energy. After entering the digestive organs of soft-shelled turtle, it is decomposed into monosaccharides by various enzymes, and then directly absorbed and utilized by soft-shelled turtle. The main physiological functions of carbohydrates are:

(1) provides heat. After the tortoise ingests the feed, some carbohydrates in the feed are decomposed into carbon dioxide and water in its body, releasing energy; The other part is sent to the liver and body to synthesize glycogen and store it. If you eat more carbohydrates, the excess will become fat and be stored in the turtle.

(2) the composition of the body. Carbohydrate is one of the important nutrients in human body.

(3) saving protein in the body. Take enough carbohydrates, which can provide energy for the main turtle and reduce its protein decomposition.

The daily carbohydrate intake of turtles mainly comes from plants, and the demand for carbohydrates is not much. The suitable addition of starch in feed is 22.70% ~ 25.28%. If the starch content exceeds 25%, the growth, weight gain and protein efficiency of soft-shelled turtle will be negatively affected. If the carbohydrate content in turtle feed is not too high.

4. Inorganic salts

Inorganic salts are indispensable substances to maintain normal physiological functions of animals. The skeleton composition and cell tissue composition of turtles need some inorganic salts to participate. Inorganic salts exist in the body fluids of soft-shelled turtles in ionic state, which can adjust osmotic pressure and pH value. They are catalysts of enzyme system in soft-shelled turtle, which can promote the growth of soft-shelled turtle and improve the utilization rate of nutrients.

Most animals need a certain amount of major elements such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, magnesium, sodium, etc. These elements account for 60% ~ 70% of the total amount of inorganic salts in organisms, especially nutritional elements such as calcium and phosphorus. If one of them is lacking in the body, the nutritional value of both will be affected.

5, vitamins

Vitamins are mainly divided into water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Most vitamins are the basic components of coenzyme and auxiliary groups, and they are important participants in biological biochemical reactions. If the tortoise lacks vitamins, it will lead to the imbalance of some enzymes in its body, which will lead to metabolic disorder and affect the normal function of some organs in its body. All kinds of fresh foods in natural waters contain vitamins, so turtles growing in nature rarely lack vitamins. However, the demand for vitamins in cultured turtles is restricted and influenced by many factors, such as environmental restrictions, water temperature, feed formula, breeding methods, feed processing methods, storage methods and so on. Therefore, in order to ensure that soft-shelled turtle can absorb enough vitamins, it is necessary to add a proper amount of multivitamins to the feed.

The above is the introduction of the main nutritional components and functions of soft-shelled turtle. I hope that all owners will pay attention to the rational and scientific preparation of turtle feed to ensure the comprehensive nutrition of turtles.