Different methodologies for determining the nutrient metabolism and energy coefficients of a commercial diet for two species of parrots of the genus, <i>Amazona</i>

Abstract

This study aimed to compare two methods of excreta collection: the traditional, total method and a partial method using indigestible neutral detergent fibre (iNDF) as an internal marker for determining the metabolism coefficients of nutrients and energetic value of the excreta for two species of parrots from the Amazona genus. Protein, energy, and feed consumption were also analysed using metabolic weight for the two species of parrots. Four pairs of parrots of the turquoise-fronted amazon (Amazona aestiva) and four pairs of the orange-winged parrots (Amazona amazonica) were used. Each pair stayed in a cage, giving a total of eight experimental units. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and compared using F- and Tukey’s tests. Of the collection methods, the total excreta collection substantially improved the energy values and metabolism coefficients of the commercial diet. The %dry matter (DM) feed formula - (%DM excreted × indigestibility factor) underestimated coefficients of apparent metabolism of dry matter (CAMDM) when using partial excreta collection with iNDF as an indicator. No significant difference was found between species when considering protein and crude energy intake of the commercial diet.