Möchten Sie Ihr Fachwissen über die Ernährung von Tieren vertiefen? Unsere Wissensdatenbank bietet praxisnahe Einblicke, Forschungsergebnisse und Fütterungsempfehlungen – von Verdauungssystemen und Nährstoffzusammensetzung bis hin zu Enrichment-Strategien und Nachhaltigkeit.
Speziell für Zoo-Fachleute entwickelt, hilft Ihnen diese Ressource, fundierte Entscheidungen zu treffen und das Tierwohl durch wissenschaftlich fundierte Ernährung zu optimieren.
We sell prey animals bred in 3 different ways: 1. SPF farmed prey animals 2. Commercially farmed prey animals 3. Commercially farmed prey animals that have been irradiated Spf farmed prey animals SPF prey animals are animals specifically bred and kept under conditions free of specific pathogens (disease agents). They are farms that maintain optimum breeding standards, such as using sterile breeding rooms, providing sterile food and not using medication. The word ‘SPF’ stands for Specific Pathogen-Free , meaning that these animals are free from certain micro-organisms that can cause diseases. Our SPF mice, rats and hamsters are tested for: Viruses: - Mice: Murine hepatitis virus (MHV), Mouse parvovirus (MPV), Sendai virus, Ectromelia (mousepox), Mouse norovirus (MNV). - Rats: Rat coronavirus (RCV), Kilham rat virus (KRV), Hantavirus, Rat theilovirus (RTV). Bacteria: - Mice and rats: Helicobacter spp, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Salmonella spp, Clostridium piliforme (Tyzzer's disease). Parasites: - Mice and rats: Syphacia spp (pinworms), Myobia musculi (fur mites), Giardia spp. SPF prey animals are often used in scientific research, such as biomedical research. For these studies, it is important to obtain results that are not affected by diseases. The ‘overproduction’ of these SPF bred prey animals are ideally suited for feeding zoo animals, birds of prey and reptiles. Because this type of prey animal does not carry any specific pathogens, the risk of any disease contamination by a prey animal in humans or animals is practically impossible. Our SPF prey animals are bred in Germany, France, the Netherlands and China. Commercially farmed prey animals Our commercially farmed prey animals are bred in farms in and outside the EU. They have less strict rules than an SPF farm applies, but of course the legally required safety standards apply here too. These farms are visited annually by a veterinarian and their animals are tested quarterly for the presence of Salmonella. Irradiated commercially farmed prey animals Irradiated prey animals are treated with ionising radiation to kill any potential pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, while largely preserving the nutritional value of the animal. Using irradiated prey animals offers several advantages, especially in environments where the health of the feeding animals or maintaining sterile conditions is crucial. Here are some of the key benefits: 1. Reduced risk of disease transmission : Irradiating prey animals greatly reduces the risk of disease transmission from prey animals to predators or other animals. This is especially important in zoos, breeding programmes, and when keeping exotic animals, such as reptiles. 2. Extended shelf life: Irradiated prey animals often have an extended shelf life because the radiation slows the growth of spoilage micro-organisms. This makes it easier to stock and store food without rapid spoilage. 3. Maintaining nutritional value: Irradiation kills pathogens without significantly affecting the nutritional value of the animal. This means the predators continue to receive necessary nutrients without exposure to harmful bacteria.
Kiezebrink is the official exclusive European importer of the South African game feed ‘Boskos’. Literally translated Boskos means; ‘feed from the bush’. It is a pelletised diet made of shredded and dried bushes, such as Acacia species of the African Savannah. Zookeepers have found that herbivores in captivity instinctively appear to recognise Boskos for what it is, a foodstuff that is natural to them. Boskos is a staple diet, especially as a winter grazing supplement, in zoos, national parks and game reserves around the world. More European zoos are feeding Boskos, as this natural food is healthier for their animals. For our customers, we made a video of the process of making Boskos.
We commissioned a study to analyse the particle size of Boskos Browser pellets. You can access the result via the link below:
Variety feeding To feed the necessary nutrients, it is recommended to ensure variety in the diet of animals. Different components in the menu contribute to the animal's nutritional needs. This way, the menu contains enough protein, fat, fibre and other (micro)nutrients in total. It is a misconception that this variety has to be offered every day. In fact, if a menu with a lot of variety is offered daily, this can actually end up making the diet poorer. Many animals are naturally selective, so they will select and eat a few items from this wide range. They may leave the rest, or when animals are housed in groups, the same items are always left behind for the animals that are lower in rank or reach the feeding bowl later. To avoid this, the method of ‘forced variety’ can be applied. This means that the diet still contains the necessary variation but this variation is spread throughout the week. So during each feeding moment, only one product is offered, making selection impossible. The images below, provided by Ben Lamberigts of Wisbroek, show clear examples of what such a menu looks like when it is offered mixed or per product for five feeding moments.
Research DK Dried Browse Mulch Introduction Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are browsers, primarily feeding on leaves from trees and shrubs, with a preference for acacias and other leafy plants4, 9. Foraging is their primary activity, essential for maintaining their bodies. Rumination is also crucial to giraffes' natural behavior, aiding in the effective digestion of food, especially breaking down insoluble carbohydrates like fiber found in plant cell walls3. In captivity, fulfilling giraffes' nutritional needs is challenging, particularly during winter when natural food sources diminish. Limited availability of fresh leaves and branches leads to provision of mainly roughage, alfalfa hay, and low-fiber pellets, which may not adequately stimulate natural behaviors, potentially resulting in abnormal behaviors like oral stereotypies1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10. Increasing fiber content in the diet can promote natural behaviors, including longer rumination periods and reduced abnormal behaviors3,6. The development of "DK Dried Browse Mulch" by Kiezebrink offers a promising nutritional supplement for giraffes, resembling their natural diet and rich in dietary fiber5. This could potentially increase foraging and rumination time while reducing abnormal behaviors in captive giraffes. Methods & Materials • The research, carried out at Dierenpark Amersfoort in the Netherlands, spanned from December 11th, 2023, to January 14th, 2024, focusing on the behaviour of four male giraffes. • Daily rations based on giraffes weighing 900 kg - Diet 1: 4.4 kg of browser pellets - Diet 2: 4.4 kg of browser pellets + 2 kg of DK Dried Browse mulch. Both rations were divided into two feeding sessions. • For 10 days per diet, instantaneous scan sampling at 30-second intervals during morning feedings monitored foraging behavior. • For 8 days per diet, continuous focal sampling observed rumination and abnormal behaviors after morning feedings for one hour per giraffe per day. • Alfalfa hay, browse, and ad libitum water were available throughout the day. • Linear Mixed Models analyzed the impact of DK Dried Browse mulch on foraging and rumination behavior. • Due to limited data, oral stereotypies are not statistically tested. A simple descriptive statistics is used to compare oral stereotypies before and after adding DK Dried Browse mulch, specifically focused on 'licking unnatural objects'. Results & Discussion • Giraffes spend significantly more time foraging during the morning feeding with Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 (Table 1). The addition of DK Dried Browse mulch to Browser pellets likely increased foraging time (p < 0.05). • Giraffes spend significantly more time ruminating with Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 (Table 1). The addition of DK Dried Browse mulch to Browser pellets likely increased rumination time (p < 0.05). • After the addition of DK Dried Browse mulch to Browser pellets, the duration of licking unnatural objects is halved, suggesting a potential alleviation of oral stereotypies (Figure 1). However, this was not statistically tested. Table 1*: Comparison of Average Duration of Foraging, Rumination, and Oral Stereotypies between Two Diets: Browser Pellets (Diet 1) and Browser Pellets with the Addition of DK Dried Browse Mulch (Diet 2), Highlighting Differences in Foraging and Rumination Times. Figure 1*: Difference in average duration of foraging, rumination and oral stereotypies between Browser pellets (Diet 1) and Browser pellets with an addition of DK Dried Browse mulch (Diet 2) *For this study on the impact of DK Dried Browse mulch on the foraging, rumination, and abnormal behaviors of captive giraffes, we used a base diet comprising Kasper Natural Browser (10mm) and Boskos Browser. • The study provides valuable insights, but factors like limited visibility and sample size could affect interpretation. Changes in mulch quantity and the presence of finely ground acacia fibers in DK Dried Browse mulch could also impact outcomes. Additionally, solely daytime observations may limit comprehensive understanding; nocturnal observations could provide supplementary insights. Conclusion • Supplementing Browser pellets with DK Dried Browse mulch positively affects the duration of foraging, rumination, and abnormal behaviors in giraffes. • Giraffes receiving DK mulch spend significantly more time foraging and rumination while exhibiting reduced abnormal behaviors, particularly in licking unnatural objects. • Further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of this dietary adjustment and explore other potential factors influencing behavioral changes. References Appleby, M. C., & Lawrence, A. B. (1987). Food restriction as a cause of stereotypic behaviour in tethered gilts. Animal Production 46: 104-110. Bashaw, M. J., Tarou, L. R., Maki, T. S., & Maple, T. L. (2001). A survey assessment of variables related to stereotypy in captive giraffe and okapi. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 73(3), 235–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-1591(01)00137-x Baxter, E., & Plowman, A. B. (2001). The Effect of Increasing Dietary Fibre on Feeding, Rumination and Oral Stereotypies in Captive Giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis). Animal Welfare, 10(3), 281–290. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600024052 Davis, D. E., Dagg, A. I., & Foster, J. B. (1978). The Giraffe. Its Biology, behavior and ecology. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 42(3), 711. https://doi.org/10.2307/3800862 DK Zoological. (2023). DRIED BROWSE MULCH. Geraadpleegd op 5 december 2023, van https://www.kiezebrink.eu/public/attachments/Droogvoer/DK%20Zoological/DK%20Dried%20Browse%20Mulch.pdf Hummel, J., Clauß, M., Baxter, E., Flach, E., Johanson, K., Fidgett, A., Eulenberger, K., Hatt, J., Hume, I. D., Janssens, G., & Nijboer, J. (2006). The influence of roughage intake on the occurrence of oral disturbances in captive giraffids. In Filander eBooks (pp. 235–252). https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-3523 Hummel, J., Zimmermann, W., Langenhorst, T., Schleussner, G., Damen, M., & Clauss, M. (2006). Giraffe husbandry and feeding practices in Europe. Results of an EEP survey. In: 6th Congress of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, Budapest (Hungary). https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-3562 Koene, P. (1999). When feeding is just eating. How do farm and zoo animals use their spare time? In D. van der Heide, E. A. Huisman, E. Kanis, J. W. M. Osse, & M. W. A. Verstegen (Reds.), Proceedings 5th Zodiac Symposium Wageningen, The Netherlands (pp. 13-19). Okabe, K., Kawamura, A., Fukuizumi, H., Ishiuchi, K., & Kase, C. (2019). Does oral stereotypy in captive giraffes decrease by feeding them evergreens and barks in winter. Animal Behaviour and Management, 55(4), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.20652/jabm.55.4_165 Terlouw, C. E. M., Lawrence, A. B., & Illius, A. W. (1991) Influences of feeding level and physical restriction on the development of stereotypies in sows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 28: 135 – 152.
We have a broad assortment of supplements. To make it easier to compare these supplements we have made an overview. In this overview you will find all supplements that we offer for marine birds. All brands have a different system of dosing: Kasper Faunafood: The Fish eating animals supplement of Kasper Faunafood has an extensive feeding advise on the data sheet. This advice is formulated per category of body weight. To make it easier to compare we have converted this; on average this advice is equal to 1 tablet per 2,5 kg of fish. Mazuri: The Small Fish eating bird supplement of Mazuri is dosed as 1 tablet per 226 g fish. The Large Fish eating bird supplement of Mazuri is dosed as 1 tablet per 1,1 kg fish. DK Zoological: The Fish Eater Liquid of DK Zoological is dosed as 1 ml per 1 kg fish. In the first table (table 1) you will find an overview of the nutrients in each supplement. These are the nutritional additives per tablet. In table 2 you will find a converted overview of the nutritional additives per 1 kg fish (when feeding advice is followed). Table 1 Nutritional additives per tablet Table 2 Nutritional additives per 1 kg fish (when feeding advise is followed)
We have a broad assortment of supplements. To make it easier to compare these supplements we have made an overview. In this overview you will find all supplements that we offer for marine mammals. All brands have a different system of dosing: Kasper Faunafood: The supplements of Kasper Faunafood have an extensive feeding advise on the data sheets of each supplement. This advice is formulated per category of body weight. To make it easier to compare we have converted this; on average this advise is equal to 1 tablet per 2,5 kg fish. Mazuri: The Marine Mammal supplement of Mazuri is dosed as 1 tablet per 2,3 kg fish. DK Zoological: The Fish Eater Liquid of DK Zoological is dosed as 1 ml per 1 kg fish. In the first table (table 1) you will find an overview of the nutrients in each supplement. These are the nutritional additives per tablet. In table 2 you will find a converted overview of the nutritional additives per 1 kg fish (when feeding advice is followed). Table 1 Nutritional additives per tablet Table 2 Nutritional additives per 1 kg fish (when feeding advise is followed)
Shark supplements We have a broad assortment of supplements. To make it easier to compare these supplements we have made an overview. In this overview you will find all supplements that we offer for sharks. All brands have a different system of dosing: Kasper Faunafood: The Shark supplement of Kasper Faunafood has an extensive feeding advise on the data sheet. This advice is formulated per category of body weight. To make it easier to compare we have converted this; on average this advice is equal to 1 tablet per 2,5 kg of fish. Mazuri: The Shark supplement of Mazuri comes in two sizes, the 0,2 g tablet is dosed per 28 g fish and 1,5 g tablet is dosed per 226 g fish. In the first table (table 1) you will find an overview of the nutrients in each supplement. These are the nutritional additives per tablet. In table 2 you will find a converted overview of the nutritional additives per 1 kg fish (when feeding advice is followed). Table 1 Nutritional additives per tablet Table 2 Nutritional additives per 1 kg fish (when feeding advise is followed)
Die Größen unserer verschiedenen Fischarten sind in dieser Übersicht zu sehen. Es wird auch eine Richtlinie angegeben, für welche Tierarten sie geeignet sind:
