Trocas de ração seca de diferentes segmentos comerciais para cães adultos

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the exchange rates (gradual or fractional) of two commercial segments for adult dogs. Eight medium - sized dogs, male and female, were housed in individual kennels. Four treatments were evaluated, varying the rations (economic and premium segment) and the type of exchange, being: EEPG = economic ration exchange (E) for premium (P) in a gradual way, being: first day = 100% and; second day = 75% mixture of E + 25% of P; third day = 50% mixture of E + 50% of P; fourth day = mixture of 75% of P + 25% of E and fifth day = 100% P); EEPF = exchange of the economic ration (E) for premium (P) in a fractional form, being: first day = 100% supply of E; second day = 25% of P; third day = 50% of P; EPEG = exchange of the premium (P) to economic (E) rationally, being: first day = supply of 100% of P; second day = 75% mixture of P + 25% of E; third day = 50% mixture of P + 50% of E; fourth day = mixture of 75% of E + 25% of P and fifth day = 100% E); and EPEF = exchange of premium (P) to economic (F) fractionally, being: first day = supply of 100% of P; second day = 25% of E; third day = 50% of E; fourth day = 75% of E, and fifth day = 100% of E. The dogs were distributed in a double latin square experimental design. The parameters evaluated were: feed intake, water intake, fecal production, stool quantity, faecal score, gas production and ingestive behavior. The exchange of ration from the economic segment to premium gradually gives higher feed intake, more defecation and less gas production, but lower quality fecal scores. Shifting from premium to economically fractionated ration provides greater intake of food at the time of delivery and feces look better, making this exchange the best indication for providing minor gastrointestinal disorders.