Low-protein Feeding in Mink: Effects on Plasma Free Amino Acids, Clinical Blood Parameters, and Fur Quality

Abstract

Abstract Four groups of mink were fed from weaning to pelting with feed of different protein levels. The metabolizable energy (ME) from protein amounted to 40/36% in the control group and 36/31, 31/27, and 27/23% in the medium, medium-low, and low-protein groups during the early and late growth period, respetively. Weight gain and hematological parameters were within normal range in all groups, but the lowest values were observed in the lowest dietary protein groups. There were no significant differences in plasma urea or creatinine concentrations between the groups. Plasma albumin and total protein increased with age and were highest in the low-protein group. The activities of transaminases, ASAT and ALAT, in plasma were also highest in the low-protein groups. The plasma content of total free amino acids was higher in the low-protein group as compared to the controls, especially essential amino acids. These changes as well as the individual plasma amino acid concentrations indicated a metabolic response ...