Análise bromatológica de rações destinadas a ratos e camundongos provenientes de biotério

Abstract

Small-sized animal species such as mice and rats are widely used in medical and scientific research worldwide. It is of utmost importance that the nutritional demands of these animals are adequately met to avoid any interference with research results. The objective of this study was to analyze diets designed for these animals and verify if the nutritional values are in accordance with those specified on the labels. For this purpose, bromatological analyses were carried out at the Laboratory of Bromatology and Animal Nutrition (LABAN) of the Federal University of Uberlândia, to determine the moisture, mineral matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and ether extract contents. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments (Diet 1 and Diet 2), and seven replicates of each treatment were performed. The results presented showed values of crude fiber and mineral matter of diets 1 and 2 above the indicated, while the ether extract of diet 2 was below the specified. Directly or indirectly, these variations could be detrimental to the development of the animals and, as a consequence, could harm scientific research results. It is concluded that some of the nutrient contents presented on the labels do not correspond to the results found in this study, however, it would be necessary to increase the sample size of the diets to conclude reliably.