Name
Pilot study evaluating the palatability of Fortetropin® in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Speakers
Wendy Banta-Long, Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Elizabeth Hyde, Center for Bird and Exotics Animal Medicine
Rae Porter-Blackwell
Kat Yeatman, The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Kassie Lenninger, Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Alexandra Sack, The Carter Center
Elizabeth Hyde, Center for Bird and Exotics Animal Medicine
Rae Porter-Blackwell
Kat Yeatman, The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Kassie Lenninger, Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Alexandra Sack, The Carter Center
Description
With aging rabbits, one of the most significant concerns is muscle atrophy, whether it is secondary to disuse, cachexia, metabolic disorders, neurological issues or nutritional deficiencies. Fortetropin®, a fertilized egg yolk–derived dietary supplement, is labeled for dogs, cats, horses, and humans to increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis, reduce muscle atrophy, increase lean muscle mass and enhance muscle recovery after injury. However, there is a lack of research regarding the effects in rabbits using Fortetropin®. The objective of this study was to evaluate voluntary consumption and general palatability of Fortetropin® in a small group of client-owned healthy adult rabbits (n=8). We hypothesized rabbits will have a stronger palatability for the equine Fortetropin® formula, which contains dextrose, rather than the feline Fortetropin® formula or placebo (cheddar cheese powder). This was a blinded randomized crossover study, where each trial was a week long with at least a week long washout period. The groups included Fortetropin® feline, Fortetropin® equine, and placebo. One-half gram of the Fortetropin® product or placebo was added into one tablespoon of dry Oxbow critical care (apple and banana flavor). Clients were instructed to add water to the mixture and offer either in a bowl or via gentle syringe feeding twice a day. Clients were instructed to avoid forced feeding to prevent stress on the rabbit or create an aversion to the feeding. Data analysis and interpretation is pending. Future research goals are to investigate the effects of Fortetropin® on muscle condition and myostatin inhibition in rabbits.
Session Type
Poster