Suitability of a Formulated Ration for Moose

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Abstract
A formulated ration for maintenance or experimental purposes has been developed for moose (A. alces). It contains 12.7% crude protein and a digestible energy concentration of 2.4 kcal/g. Metabolizable energy concentration is 2.1 kcal/g. Performance was measured over 5 yr with data from 11 moose. Daily gain in calves from weaning in Aug. through Oct. and Nov. through April was 0.9 kg .+-. 0.06 (SE) and 0.4 kg .+-. 0.03 (SE), respectively, and exceeded those of wild moose. Mean body weights of adult males and females on the diet were greater than those of wild moose. Reproductive performance was also excellent with 83.1% of yearling females breeding and producing a calf at age 2. The ration has been used as the only food of moose for up to 5 yr with no apparent adverse affects. It lends itself to constituent alteration for experimental purposes.

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