Using known nutritional values of foods and the equations outlined in the energy requirements page a diet formulation has been devised using excel.
This diet formulation is the closest to achieving the nutritional requirements as this author could manage.
The Formulated diet contains 3,500g of horse carcass, 1,500g of Rabbit, 750f of Day old chicks and 250g of dry feline diet.
Nutrient Recommended Formulated diet
Protein, % 20.0–30.0 49.05^
Fat, % 9.0–15.0 21.71^
Linoleic acid, % 0.55 0*
Vitamin A, IU/g 3.55–7.50 6.77
Vitamin D3, IU/g 0.25 0.20
Vitamin E, mg/kg 38.00 21.54*
Vitamin K, mg/kg 1.00 0*
Thiamin, ppm 5.5–5.6 1.33*
Riboflavin, ppm 4.25 0*
Niacin, ppm 42.50 0*
Vitamin B6, ppm 2.50 0*
Folic acid, ppm 0.75 0*
Biotin, ppm 0.08 0*
Vitamin B12, ppm 0.02 0*
Pantothenic acid,ppm 6.25 0*
Choline, ppm 2550.00 0*
Calcium, % 0.29–1.081 0.98
Phosphorus, % 0.26–0.721 0.70
Magnesium, % 0.04-0.06 0*
Potassium, % 0.40-0.52 0.25
Sodium, % 0.07-0.14 0.16
Iron, ppm 80.00 41.26*
Zinc, ppm 60.00-70.00 25.97*
Copper, ppm 5.00-8.80 6.12
Manganese, ppm 4.80-7.20 0*
Iodine, ppm 2.20 0*
Selenium, ppm 4.40 0*
kJ/day 22,000-27,000 22, 364
* indicates the need for supplementation ^indicates this figure is much higher that recommended
A lion spends on average approximately one hour per day eating. It is estimated that a lion would spend 25minutes consuming this formulated diet.
This diet contains horse, rabbit and day old chick carcass' which is beneficial for the lions teeth and gums, as the stimulation helps prevent gingivitis and oral abscesses, it improves muscle and body condition and also is known to promote natural feeding behaviour.
All of the ingredients, can be locally sourced are dependent on any season and are not too expensive, however a large fridge freezer will be necessary to keep the meat. Preparation will take time but if time is taken (approximately 2.5hours/week) when the goods are delivered to portion out the meats the only time needed during the week will be to move items from the freezer to the fridge to thaw the meal for the next feed.
This author could not formulate an accurate balance diet and does not recommend the use of the above diet. The author recommends that diets for any zoo animal should only be formulated and be prescribed by professional zoo nutritionists in conjunction with veterinary advice where appropriate.