Nutrient intake of captive small Indian civet (Viverricula indica) in Chiang Mai Zoo and Demonstrated Farming Under Royal Project in Ban Dong Yen, Thailand

Abstract

Here we examined the feed and nutrient intake of captive small Indian civets (Viverricula indica) housed at the Chiang Mai Zoo (CMZ) and Demonstrated Farming Under Royal Project (DYF) in Ban Dong Yen in Thailand. The feed type and intake was recorded for 4 males and 5 females at both CMZ and DYF. Feed samples were collected for chemical analysis and nutrient intake was calculated in terms of dry matter (DM) to compare CMZ and DYF. There were 11 and 5 feed types at CMZ and DYF, respectively. DM intake of small Indian civets at CMZ was significantly lower than at DYF (32.84 ± 0.852 % vs 38.90 ± 0.184 %; P<0.05). Crude protein, ether extract (crude fat), ash, Ca and P intake of civets at CMZ was significantly lower than the intake at DYF (P<0.05). Meanwhile, crude fiber and NFE (nitrogen free extract) intake of civets at CMZ was significantly higher than at DYF (P<0.05). The amount of wax released by civets at CMZ was significantly higher than those at DYF (2.14 ± 0.43 vs 1.49 ± 0.01 g/head/month) (P<0.05). Results of this study provide guidelines and references for feeds and feed intake for captive small Indian civets.