Nutrients Metabolizability of Nectar for Long-Term Maintenance of Amazilia amazilia and Effect of a Dietary Fiber Source

Aims: To formulate an artificial nectar for long-term maintenance of captive hummingbird, to measure the metabolizability of nutrients in the artificial nectar and to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber (inulin) addition on its digestive utilization.

Study Design: Two groups of seven hummingbirds randomly distributed in two diets with different levels of inulin (0-7% DM).

Methodology: The trial was conducted on two groups of seven non-reproductive Amazilia amazilia averagely weighing 4.0 g, giving nectar containing about 179 g/l dry matter (DM). DM content of sucrose and hexoses was 92.3%, (0.75 M), that of crude protein (CP) 4.3% and fat (EE) 2.3%. Inulin was added in the ratio of 7 g/100 g, as fed, of nectar powder. The experiment lasted 24 days; the birds were separately housed in experimental cages.

Results: The daily DM intake of hummingbirds was about 2054 mg/d and upraised by 14%, to 2348 mg/d, when inulin was added to the nectar; the energy intake averaged 34 kJ/d. The average metabolizabilities of nectar were about 94% for DM and energy, 98.4% for sugars, 57% for CP and 44% for EE. The absorption of DM, sugars, energy and protein were statistically reduced by inulin addition, instead that of ash increased. From the balance trial it results that about one third of inulin should undergo a fermentation in the intestine. Adjustment of sugar and protein contents and of protein quality to hummingbirds’ species and rearing environment should be useful.