What are the nutritional needs of turtles
1. Protein
Protein nutrients are the most important for the growth and development of turtles. Turtles need a lot of protein in their daily feed. The protein content of turtle feed is generally determined according to the protein demand of turtles. The total protein demand of turtles of different ages is different, and the specific arrangement is as follows: juvenile turtles > juvenile turtles > parent turtles > adult turtles. Young turtles have the highest protein requirements, and as individuals grow, the protein requirements gradually decrease. In addition, after the turtle ingests it, it cannot directly absorb the protein in the feed. It can only be absorbed smoothly after being decomposed into amino acids by enzymatic hydrolysis, and then the protein required by the body can be synthesized. Therefore, the nutritional value of feed is not only related to the amount of protein, but also to the composition of protein amino acids. In addition, animal protein must be used when preparing feed for turtles, and vegetable protein cannot be used instead of animal protein.
2. Fat
Fat is the main source of energy storage and energy supply in the body, and fat also contains a lot of fat-soluble vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, etc., so Fat is also one of the main nutritional needs of turtles. When artificially formulated turtle feed, defatted fish meal is generally used, so adding an appropriate amount of vegetable oil to the feed will help to improve the feed utilization rate and growth rate of the turtle. However, feeds with added oils are often prone to rancidity and oxidation, which may lead to lower nutrient levels and even the production of harmful toxins. Therefore, the feed with added oil should be stored under the conditions of low temperature, sealing and shading, and an appropriate amount of antioxidants should be added.
3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main source of heat energy for animals, and they enter the digestive organs of turtles. After that, it is decomposed into monosaccharides by various enzymes, and then directly absorbed and utilized by turtles. The main physiological functions of carbohydrates are:
(1) Provide heat. After the turtle ingests the feed, part of the carbohydrates in the feed are decomposed into carbon dioxide and water in the body to release energy; the other part is sent to the liver and the body to synthesize glycogen for storage. If the intake of carbohydrates is high, the excess will become fat and accumulate in the turtle’s body.
(2) The composition of the body. Carbohydrates are one of the important nutrients that make up the body.
(3) Save protein in the body. Eat enough carbohydrates, which can preferentially provide energy to the turtle’s body and reduce its protein breakdown.
The daily intake of carbohydrates by turtles mainly comes from plants, and there is not much demand for carbohydrates. The adaptation amount of starch in the feed can be about 22.70% to 25.28%. If the starch content exceeds 25%, Starch has a negative impact on the growth and weight gain and protein efficiency of turtles, if the content of carbohydrates in turtle feeds should not be too much.
4. Inorganic salts
Inorganic salts are indispensable substances to maintain the normal physiological function of animals . The bone structure and cell tissue structure of turtles require the participation of certain inorganic salts. Inorganic salts exist in an ionic state in the body fluids of tortoises, which can regulate osmotic pressure and pH value. They are catalysts for the enzyme system in the tortoise’s body, which can promote the growth of tortoises and improve the utilization of nutrients.
Most animals need a certain amount of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, magnesium, sodium and other major elements, which account for 60% to 70% of the total inorganic salts in the organism, especially for There are many needs for nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus. If the body lacks one of calcium and phosphorus, the nutritional value of both will be affected.
5. Vitamins
Vitamins are mainly divided into two categories: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins, and most of them are the basic components of coenzymes and prosthetic groups, which are essential components of living organisms. important player in biochemical reactions. If the tortoise lacks vitamins, the activity of some enzymes in the tortoise will be unbalanced, resulting in disorder of metabolism and affecting the normal function of some organs in the body. All kinds of fresh foods in natural waters contain vitamins, so turtles growing in nature rarely have vitamin deficiencies. However, the need for vitamins of artificially cultured turtles is restricted and affected by many factors, such as environmental restrictions, water temperature, feed formula, breeding methods, feed processing methods and storage methods. Therefore, in order to ensure that the turtle can absorb enough vitamins, it is necessary to add an appropriate amount of multivitamins to its feed.
The above is my introduction to the main nutrients and functions required by turtles. I hope that all owners will pay attention to rationally and scientifically formulate turtle feeds to ensure adequate and comprehensive nutrition for turtles.
