Page 101 - Raw Diet References Book 2019

VI Feeding Test Protocols

Table VI-1. Recommended feeding trial protocol for the determination
of metabolizable energy of cat and dog food

GE Gross energy CP Crude protein

DE Digestible energy DP Digestible protein

ME Metabolizable energy BW Body weight

kJ Kilojoule Cr2O3 chromium III oxide

kcal Kilocalorie

1. INDICATOR METHOD

1.1 Introduction

This feeding protocol has been designed in order to dog and cat food metabolizable energy protocols -
determine ME of cat & dog foods in a way not harmful Indicator Method” (AAFCO 2007).
for cats and dogs and is adapted from the “AAFCO

1.2 Protocol

1.2.1 Animals

A minimum of six fully grown animals at least one breed. Animals shall be individually housed during
year of age shall complete the test. The animals shall the trial (collection period).
be in good health and of known weight, sex and

1.2.2 Feeding procedures

Feeding procedures shall be standardized. The as necessary, to maintain body weight.
feeding shall consist of two phases.
The second phase shall be the total collection
The first phase shall be the pre-collection period period; faeces and possibly urine will be collected
of at least three days for dogs and five days for cats during at least four days (96 hours) for dogs and five
(Nott et al. 1994) with the objective of acclimatising days (120 hours) for cats.
the test animals to the diet and adjusting food intake,

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