Feeding is one of the daily core tasks. Wrong feed or wrong amounts can cause malnutrition overweight and disease. Therefore you must understand the animals' digestion and their nutritional needs.
§Three main types of eaters
| Type | What they eat | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Plant eaters (herbivores) | Plants, grass, hay, vegetables | Horses, rabbits, goats, many hoofed animals |
| Carnivores | Meat and animal food | Cats, birds of prey, snakes, large cats |
| Omnivores | Both plant and animal food | Pigs, bears, many primates, rats |
The digestive system is adapted to the diet. Herbivores often have long intestines or multiple stomachs to break down plant fibres, while carnivores have a shorter digestive tract. This means you cannot simply swap feed types.
§Feed hygiene and storage
- 01Store dry feed dry and pest-proof.
- 02Keep cooler-sensitive food such as meat, fish and fruit cool.
- 03Follow the first-in-first-out principle so oldest feed is used first.
- 04Clean feed bowls and tools daily to prevent bacterial growth.
- 05Remove uneaten feed residue so it doesn't rot in the system.
§Adjustment to the individual animal
Feed requirements change with age pregnancy nursing activity level and disease. Young and nursing animals have greater needs while older or inactive animals easily become overweight. Weigh and observe the animals regularly and adjust the amount based on condition (body condition) and behaviour.
Feed enrichment is also part of welfare. Letting the animal work for its food — for example by hiding feed or using feed dispensers — mimics natural foraging and prevents boredom.