[Assessment of commercial feeds for parrots]

Twenty-five commercial parrot feeds were analyzed and compared with a guideline as to the nutrient requirements of parrots. There was a large variation in the composition of the different feeds. The protein content differed from 10.4 to 20.6%. A total of 18 feeds had a low protein content and thus is only suitable for adult animals during maintenance. The calcium content varied from 0.08 to 2.21 g/100 g. Seven out of the 13 seed mixtures had a calcium content lower than the requirement. Calcium deficiency can lead to rachitis, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism and hypocalcaemia syndrome in African Grey parrots. With the help of the analyzed composition, the different feeds were judged on their quality. Apart from macronutrients, minerals and trace elements, the fatty acid composition of the feeds was also determined. Atherosclerosis is a common disease in parrots, and an important risk factor is elevated plasma cholesterol. Plasma cholesterol is strongly influenced by fat content and fatty acid composition of the diet. Based on the fatty acid composition, the effect of a diet on plasma cholesterol can be predicted. All feeds had a similar, small effect on plasma cholesterol. However, the feeds differed strongly in their alpha-linolenic acid content (0.03-0.65 g/MJ). According to literature data alpha-linolenic acid could have an anti-atherosclerotic effects.