Nutraceutical supplementation increases mobility in aged captive non‐domesticated felids

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMusculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are an increasing issue as the lifespan of captive animals increases. Extracts of green‐lipped mussels have been linked to alleviation of MSDs in domestic carnivores. Understanding their efficacy in non‐domestic felids could provide another tool to improve the welfare of aged individuals in collections.MethodsA within‐subject study design quantified steps per minute in each of 18 cats of 13 species before and after the addition of a nutraceutical containing green‐lipped mussel extract (Antinol) to their diets. The age structure of four commonly kept subspecies of non‐domestic cats was quantified to provide a demographic context to the need for managing aged individuals.ResultsEach of the 18 cats exhibited a higher number of steps per minute after the addition of Antinol to their diet. At the group level, a paired t‐test showed that the step rate was significantly increased after the addition of Antinol to the diet.LimitationsWhile our results showed a strong significant increase in step rate following Antinol supplementation, further studies that incorporate a placebo, more individuals and more detailed metrics of mobility would provide a more detailed evidence base for practitioners.ConclusionNutraceuticals may yield benefits to aged individual felids, including species kept widely in European collections. Their use warrants further, detailed research in collections.