A method for preparing feed from potential food resources for musk deer.

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the forest musk deer, belonging to the field of potential food selection technology. The method includes the following steps: collecting feces from wild animals of the same genus as the forest musk deer within a study area; extracting DNA from food residue in the feces to determine the total plant families and genera contained in the feces; selecting families and genera with a relative abundance greater than 1% from the total plant families and genera to obtain the main food families and genera of the wild animals; collecting several plant samples based on the main food families and genera of the wild animals; conducting a buffet experiment on the edible parts of the collected plant samples; calculating the food selection coefficient of the forest musk deer for the collected plant samples; and preparing feed for the forest musk deer based on the food selection coefficient. The method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the forest musk deer described in this invention can solve the problems of insufficient feed and inaccurate identification of potential food resources when raising forest musk deer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of potential food selection technology, and in particular to a method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the forest musk deer. Background Technology

[0002] Artificial breeding of musk deer in my country began in the late 1950s. After more than sixty years of continuous exploration, a preliminary technical system has been established, encompassing musk deer husbandry enclosure models, breeding stock survival rates, basic disease prevention and control, and artificial live musk extraction. The musk deer is a small ruminant and a intensive feeder in nutritional ecology, meaning it avoids high-fiber foods. Excessive fiber intake leads to the formation of hairballs from plant cellulose, which can become trapped in the abomasum, a condition known as hairball disease, and in severe cases, can be fatal. Furthermore, musk deer exhibit strong food selectivity, but the mechanism behind this selection is not yet fully understood. Therefore, feed sources and nutritional supply have always been weak points in musk deer husbandry. To date, in the Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi and the Yanshan Mountains of Hebei, a self-feeding method has been used to determine the types and proportions of food selected by musk deer.

[0003] Current problems include the lack of direction in selecting local tree species and implementing the buffet method for determination, which hinders the determination and application of the tree species preferred by the forest musk deer. Furthermore, researchers have identified and collected food species primarily from forest plants near breeding bases, limiting the scope of potential food sources based on limited quantity and distribution, potentially overlooking other nearby food sources. Researchers' personal experience and background may influence food species selection, leading to the neglect or misassessment of some important plants. The absence of scientific screening criteria to objectively assess which plant species are potential food for the forest musk deer may result in an incomplete understanding of their food preferences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for preparing feed for potential food resources of musk deer, thereby solving the problems of insufficient feed and inaccurate judgment of potential food resources when raising musk deer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1. Collect feces from wild animals belonging to the same genus as the musk deer within the study area;

[0007] S2. Extract DNA from food residue in feces to determine the total plant families and genera contained in the feces;

[0008] S3. Select the families and genera with a relative abundance greater than 1% from the total plant families and genera to obtain the main feeding families and genera of wild animals;

[0009] S4. Collect several plant samples based on the main food families and genera of wild animals;

[0010] S5. Conduct a buffet experiment on the edible parts of the collected plant samples;

[0011] S6. Calculate the food selection coefficient of the musk deer on the collected plant samples;

[0012] S7. Configure musk deer feed according to the food selection coefficient.

[0013] Preferably, in S1, the wild animal is a wild musk deer.

[0014] Preferably, in step S2, primers rbcl2 F and rbcl2 R are used to amplify the chloroplast rbcl2 region and perform sequencing. The sequencing results are then compared with a public database using DNA barcoding technology to determine the plant family and genus.

[0015] Preferably, in step S4, the plant sample collection criteria are: the distribution of the plant in the forest area surrounding the musk deer breeding area is greater than a set value; the plant is thornless and easy to pick; and the musk deer is edible.

[0016] Preferably, in step S5, the buffet experiment specifically includes:

[0017] S51. Select forest musk deer test samples, and allow individual forest musk deer to feed in an independent activity area;

[0018] S52. Conduct a preliminary test on the sample before the start of the experiment;

[0019] S53. Place equal amounts of collected plant samples into separate feeding frames and number each plant sample. The feeding frames are arranged in a circle in the activity area of ​​the forest musk deer test individuals.

[0020] S54. After the experiment, weigh the remaining plant samples and calculate the average amount of food consumed by the musk deer test samples.

[0021] Preferably, in S51, the pre-test involves feeding the musk deer samples only with dry leaves and succulent feed from outside the study area for 3 days before the start of the test, and stopping the feeding of concentrated feed.

[0022] Preferably, after S54, S52-S54 are repeated to conduct a second round of testing. The average of the average food intake of the musk deer test samples in the first round of testing and the average food intake of the musk deer test samples in the second round of testing are calculated as the test result of the food intake of the musk deer test samples.

[0023] Preferably, in step S5, a control group of plant samples is set up, the fresh weight loss of the plant samples is measured, and the feed intake of the musk deer test samples is corrected.

[0024] Preferably, in step S6, the formula for calculating the food selection coefficient is:

[0025]

[0026] Where, ε i Let α be the food selection coefficient for the i-th plant sample. i r is the selection coefficient for plants. i The proportion of the weight of the i-th plant sample consumed by the musk deer to the total weight of the i-th plant sample, n i Let represent the proportion of the weight of the i-th plant sample to the total weight of the plant samples, and m represent the plant sample species.

[0027] The advantages and positive effects of the method for preparing a potential food resource feed for musk deer described in this invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. This invention uses DNA barcoding technology to conduct food resource spectrum analysis of wild musk deer, determine the potential food types of captive musk deer, and comprehensively determine the types of food plants that can be collected from the vegetation types near the musk deer breeding base by using vegetation survey methods, distribution and biomass of food plants, morphological characteristics such as thorns of food plants, and the convenience and cost of collecting food plants, thus avoiding the blind collection of food plants for captive musk deer.

[0029] 2. Collect abundant and easily accessible plant resources from the forest area near the musk deer farm. The results of the buffet experiment show that this method can greatly improve the judgment rate of the food selection preferences of the musk deer, which is beneficial for collecting the plants that the musk deer actively choose in the buffet experiment.

[0030] 3. This invention determines the key factors of feeding based on the nutritional needs and palatability of musk deer. It uses a self-feeding method to determine the food preferences of the musk deer, identifies the types of food plants for the musk deer, and establishes a roughage (fresh leaves) formula based on the musk deer's food preferences and their consumption ratio, which greatly reduces the cost and time of transporting forage from other provinces.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 The plant genera with a relative abundance of ≥1% in the diet of wild musk deer in this embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 3 The results of the actual food intake of the forest musk deer sample on the plant sample in this embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 4 The selection coefficient of the forest musk deer sample for the plant sample in this embodiment of the invention is given. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] Example

[0038] A method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the forest musk deer includes the following steps:

[0039] S1. Collect feces from wild animals belonging to the same genus as the musk deer within the study area.

[0040] The wild animal is the wild musk deer. The musk deer farm is located in Nyemo Township, Bianba County, Changdu City, eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, on the southern slope of the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains, a region characterized by rolling hills and lush forest vegetation. Wild musk deer are frequently seen in the forests near the farm. Both musk deer and forest musk deer belong to the genus *Musk* in the family Muskidae. Their body size, ecological niche, and feeding strategies are very similar; therefore, the diet of musk deer can serve as a scientific basis for identifying potential food sources for captive forest musk deer.

[0041] S2. Extract DNA from food residue in feces to determine the total plant families and genera contained in the feces.

[0042] Thirty-five fresh musk deer feces were collected from the study area. DNA from food residue in the feces was extracted, and the rbcl2 region of chloroplasts was amplified using universal primers rbcl2 F (5'-CTTACCAGYCTTGATCGTTACAAAGG-3') and rbcl2R (5'-GTAAAATCAAGTCCACCRCG-3'). Sequencing was performed on an Illumina Miseq / Novaseq 6000 platform (Illumina, Inc., USA) using the PE250 / PE300 sequencing strategy. The sequencing results were compared with the public database NCBI using DNA barcoding technology to determine the plant family and genus of wild musk deer.

[0043] Test results show that wild musk deer feed on plants belonging to 74 families and 144 genera.

[0044] S3. Select the families and genera with a relative abundance of more than 1% from the total plant families and genera to obtain the main food families and genera of wild animals.

[0045] In the diet of wild musk deer, only 12 genera of plants have a relative abundance of ≥1% in their diet, and the total abundance of plants with a relative abundance of ≥1% accounts for 92% of the musk deer's total diet. Therefore, these 12 genera are considered the main food genera of wild musk deer. The proportion of these 12 genera is as follows: Figure 2As shown, the 12 genera of plants are Rosa (27.3%), Willowherb (15.6%), Bistorta (12.4%), Strawberry (9.8%), Cotoneaster (8.5%), Curcuma (7.5%), Rhodiola (3.3%), Artemisia (2.3%), Anemone (1.6%), Lonicera (1.3%), Rhododendron (1.3%), and Birch (1.3%).

[0046] S4. Collect several plant samples based on the main food families and genera of wild animals.

[0047] The selection of plant samples must follow the following criteria: ① The plants are distributed in the surrounding forest area of ​​the musk deer farm and have a large biomass; ② The plants are distributed in a clustered manner; ③ The plant branches are thornless and easy to pick; ④ The plant species are common near the musk deer farm and have been tested in pre-feeding trials, showing that the musk deer can eat them.

[0048] Following the above-mentioned collection criteria for potential food source plant samples, seven common and easily collected potential food species were selected: Rhododendron, Honeysuckle, Salix matsudana, Aster tibetica, Elsholtzia ciliata, Prunus serrulata, and Birch. Edible parts of these potential food source plant samples were collected for a buffet experiment. Leaves were collected from trees and shrubs, and stems and leaves were collected from herbs.

[0049] S5. Conduct a buffet experiment on the edible parts of the collected plant samples.

[0050] The buffet experiment specifically involved:

[0051] S51. Ten adult male musk deer were selected as experimental samples. The musk deer experimental samples were fed in independent activity areas and did not affect each other.

[0052] S52. Conduct a preliminary test on the sample before the start of the experiment.

[0053] The preliminary experiment involved feeding the musk deer samples only with dry leaves and succulent feed from outside the study area for three days before the start of the experiment, while stopping the feeding of concentrated feed.

[0054] S53. Place the plant samples collected the previous day into separate feeding frames, with each type of plant sample in its own frame, and number each type of plant sample. The feeding frames are arranged in a circle in the activity area of ​​the musk deer test individuals.

[0055] Each plant sample was placed in the same amount, 250g.

[0056] S54. Plant samples were fed on the morning of the first day and collected and weighed at the same time the following day. After the experiment, the remaining plant samples were weighed, and the amount of food consumed by each of the 10 musk deer test samples was calculated.

[0057] A control group of plant samples was set up concurrently with the experiment to measure the fresh weight loss of the plant samples and correct the feed intake of the musk deer test samples. The actual feed intake of the corrected musk deer test samples was the feed intake minus the fresh weight loss of the remaining plant samples. The average actual feed intake of 10 musk deer test samples was calculated to obtain the results of the first round of actual feed intake.

[0058] Repeat steps S52-S54 to conduct a second round of the experiment. Take the average of the actual feed intake results from the first round and the second round as the experimental result for actual feed intake.

[0059] The actual food intake of the selected plant samples from the 7 musk deer specimens is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it can be seen that the forest musk deer consumes the most slender-toothed cherry and the least amount of costus root.

[0060] S6. Calculate the food selection coefficient of the musk deer on the collected plant samples.

[0061] The formula for calculating the food choice coefficient is:

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] Where, ε i Let α be the food selection coefficient for the i-th plant sample. i r is the selection coefficient for plants. i The proportion of the weight of the i-th plant sample consumed by the musk deer to the total weight of the i-th plant sample, n i Let represent the proportion of the weight of the i-th plant sample to the total weight of the plant samples, and m represent the plant sample species.

[0065] The selection coefficient ranges from -1 to 1. ε = 0 indicates no selection preference; the musk deer's selection of all plant samples is random, and the proportion of plant samples consumed by the musk deer is the same for all samples. 0 < ε < 1 indicates a preference for specific plant samples; the closer the value is to 1, the stronger the selectivity for that plant sample. -1 < ε < 0 indicates avoidance of specific plant samples; the closer the value is to -1, the lower the selectivity for that plant sample. The actual consumption and selection coefficient of plant samples by the musk deer are shown in Table 1.

[0066] Table 1. Selectivity coefficients of musk deer for test plant samples

[0067] Azalea trees 2.243801659 -0.911077308 drought willow 21.48265965 -0.353892606 Honeysuckle 53.95983504 0.15344339 Tibetan Aster 13.0884511 -0.560078336 Costus root 1.568038508 -0.937156807 Fine-toothed cherry 171.4750248 0.790933283 Birch 27.76125413 -0.225960966

[0068] S7. Configure musk deer feed according to the food selection coefficient.

[0069] The actual feed intake and selection coefficient of the musk deer reflect its palatability and nutritional requirements for various plant samples, and are an expression of its food preferences. Considering both the actual feed intake and the ease of collection, this experiment selected a roughage ratio of 60%:19%:9%:7%:4%:1% for the musk deer, consisting of: Prunus serrulata: Lonicera fusiforme: Birch: Salix matsudana: Aster tataricus: Rhododendron.

[0070] The musk deer raised in plateau areas showed a preference for the roughage formula produced in this invention, exhibiting rumination, glossy fur, a moist and dark muzzle, high energy, quick reflexes, and plump, smooth feces, making them suitable for long-term consumption.

[0071] Therefore, the method for preparing feed for potential food resources of musk deer described in this invention can solve the problems of insufficient feed and inaccurate judgment of potential food resources when raising musk deer.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Collect feces from wild animals belonging to the same genus as the forest musk deer within the study area; the wild animals referred to are wild musk deer. S2. Extract DNA from food residue in feces to determine the total plant families and genera contained in the feces; use primers rbcl2 F and rbcl2 R to amplify the chloroplast rbcl2 region and perform sequencing; use DNA barcoding technology to compare the sequencing results with public databases to determine the plant families and genera. S3. Select families and genera with a relative abundance greater than 1% from the total plant families and genera to obtain the main food families and genera of wild animals; S4. Collect several plant samples based on the main food families and genera of wild animals; S5. Conduct a buffet experiment on the edible parts of the collected plant samples; S6. Calculate the food selection coefficient of the musk deer on the collected plant samples; S7. Configure musk deer feed according to the food selection coefficient.

2. The method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S4, the criteria for collecting plant samples are that the distribution of the plant samples in the forest area surrounding the musk deer breeding area is greater than a set value; the plants are thornless and easy to pick; and the musk deer are edible.

3. The method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S5, the buffet experiment specifically includes: S51. Select forest musk deer test samples, and allow individual forest musk deer to feed in an independent activity area; S52. Conduct a preliminary test on the sample before the start of the experiment; S53. Place equal amounts of collected plant samples into separate feeding frames and number each plant sample. The feeding frames are arranged in a circle in the activity area of ​​the forest musk deer test individuals. S54. After the experiment, weigh the remaining plant samples and calculate the average amount of food consumed by the musk deer test samples.

4. The method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer according to claim 3, characterized in that: In S52, the preliminary test involved feeding the musk deer samples only with dry leaves and succulent feed from outside the study area for three days before the start of the test, while stopping the feeding of concentrated feed.

5. The method for preparing a potential food resource feed for musk deer according to claim 3, characterized in that: After S54, repeat S52-S54 to conduct a second round of experiments. Calculate the average of the average food intake of the musk deer test samples in the first round of experiments and the average of the average food intake of the musk deer test samples in the second round of experiments as the results of the food intake experiment of the musk deer test samples.

6. The method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S5, a control group of plant samples is set up, the fresh weight loss of plant samples is measured, and the feed intake of musk deer test samples is corrected.

7. The method for preparing feed for potential food resources of the musk deer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S6, the formula for calculating the food selection coefficient is as follows: in, ε i For the first i Food selection coefficient of plant samples α i The selection coefficient for plants. r i Foraging for food by the forest musk deer i The weight of the plant samples accounted for the first i The proportion of the total weight of the plant samples n i For the first i The proportion of the weight of a particular plant sample to the total weight of the plant sample. m The plant sample types.

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