FEEDING INTENSITY AND BOTH FOOD AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF THE MIDDAY GERBIL (MERIONES MERIDIANUS, GERBILLIDAE, RODENTIA) IN CAPTIVITY

Studies on the age characteristics of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of nutrition and energy of the Midday gerbil in captivity showed that the consumption of various types of food ranges from 4.2 to 7.5 g of dry matter per individual per day, depending on the age of the animals and the quality of the feed offered. The absolute dry matter intake reaches the maximum at air humidity levels close to 50–55%. The absolute values of food consumption by adult animals are 1.3–1.5 times higher than those of young ones. The relative level (per 10 g of body weight) of feed intake is 1.1–1.3 times, and the relative energy requirements are 1.2–1.5 times higher in young animals than in adults. Considering that the relative energy requirements of young gerbils are higher, while the absolute values of their nutrition are lower than those of adults, they need more nutritious feeds in comparison with adults to ensure an energy balance. Consequently, in nature, young animals should be more demanding for food quality, and therefore any changes in the quantity and quality of food resources will primarily affect the condition and survival of young individuals.