Detailed Explanation of Fox Feed Formulation Methods and Raw Material Ratios
The fox's digestive tract is shorter than that of the raccoon dog, its dental chewing surface is less developed than that of the raccoon dog, and the fox's large colon and cecum are also less developed than those of the raccoon dog. The time food takes to pass through the digestive tract is only 25-30 hours for the fox, while the raccoon dog needs about 40-50 hours. Therefore, the fox's ability to digest and absorb nutrients from feed is weaker than that of the raccoon dog. The fox has higher requirements for animal-based feed and vitamins than the raccoon dog. The fox's demand for feed is greatest in summer and weakens in winter. Nutritional needs differ across different biological periods; generally, they are higher during the breeding season than during the non-breeding season, and the diet should be based mainly on animal-based feed, mixed with some plant-based feed. When formulating the diet, first determine the amount of diet to be given according to the nutritional needs of the fox at different biological periods, feeding standards, and the fox population's body condition and appetite. Generally, the average daily diet for an adult fox is 600 grams, and protein should reach 80-100 grams. In the diet, animal-based feed should account for more than 60%, with the rest being plant-based feed. During the breeding season, vegetables should account for 10%-20% of the total feed amount, mainly to ensure a source of vitamins.
The fox undergoes different physiological changes throughout the four seasons of the year, so there are also different requirements in terms of feed and feeding.
(1) Before November, all breeding foxes are required to maintain normal body condition, neither too fat nor too thin, and should be fed in limited amounts.
(2) From November to January of the following year is the preparation period for breeding foxes to mate. The diet standards should be appropriately adjusted. During this period, the feed intake of breeding foxes decreases, and they can be fed once a day, but the quality of the feed must be guaranteed, and the nutritional level should be above average.
(3) From late January to mid-March is the mating period for breeding foxes. Due to sexual excitement, appetite generally declines. The diet should be easily digestible, highly palatable, and also nutritionally rich. It is best to feed fresh animal-based feed.
(4) From late March to the end of May is the gestation period for female foxes. High-quality feed must be provided. Especially in the middle and late stages of gestation, due to fetal growth and development and the metabolic needs of the mother, the feed quality should be further improved, and the feed amount should also be increased. By the end of gestation, a few days before giving birth, the feed consistency should become thinner, and the feed amount should be reduced by 1/3 to 1/4.
(5) From late May to June is the lactation period for female foxes. Due to the need for milk production, the daily diet formulation must take into account the number of offspring and the age in days of the young foxes. The growth and development of young foxes within 3 weeks is related to the quantity and quality of the breast milk they receive.