Antarctic krill meal as an alternative protein source in pet foods evaluated in mink (Neovison vison). II. Growth

Background: Antarctic krill meal has potential for use in pet food as a source of protein and lipids. An experiment was conducted in growing male and female mink to evaluate the safety of Antarctic krill meal as an ingredient for pet food. Materials and methods: In the first growth period, the levels of krill were 0%, 8%, 17%, and 33% of dry matter. The levels were slightly less in the second growth period (0%, 8%, 16%, and 32% of dry matter). The four diets used were labeled K0, K8, K17, and K33 for both growth periods. The experiments included assessments of growth, hematology, clinical chemistry, tissue histology, liver and kidney mineral concentrations, and bone fluoride accumulation. Results: Mink receiving Antarctic krill meal grew at the same rate as controls, suggesting that protein and energy values of the krill meal were comparable to the control fishmeal. Relative organ weights of animals were the same for the K0, K8, and K17 groups, whereas K33 animals showed higher values for weights of the stomach and rectum. Hematological, clinical chemistry, and morphological analyses did not differ between animals fed K0 and K8 diets. Animals in the K17 and K33 groups showed some histological changes in the liver and kidney, and a few alterations in some clinical chemistry and hematology values related to nutrient intake or metabolism. Joint/bone deformities were observed in K33 mink. Conclusion: Antarctic krill meal has a similar nutritional value as good-quality fishmeal and produces no adverse effects in growing mink at levels up to 8% of dry matter. The results suggest that Antarctic krill meal can be safely included in pet food for growing animals. Keywords: Antarctic krill meal, protein source, growth, mink Read Part I. Digestibility of main nutrients and effect on reproduction