Effection of food types on first feeding probability of baby snakes of Dienagkistrodon acutus

Objective To find optimal food for young Dienagkistrodon acutus,its feeding incidence and food selectivity on different food was conducted,and the odor effect on its predatory behavior was discussed as well so as to set solid foundation for the theory of compound feed exploitation.Methods The young Dienagkistrodon acutus was separated by randomization and raised in the same condition.Different kinds of small animal(Frog,young toad,SD neonate rat,Kunming neonate mice) and insects(Barley pest,earthworm,cricket and roach) were taken as bait to statistic the feeding incidence of the young Dienagkistrodon acutus.Under dark condition,fresh dead frog and meat of mice was feeded to test the odor effect on its predatory behavior.Results Strong positive correlation was observed between food variety and its feeding incidence,which showed its appetite on frog and mouse,but almost refused to ingest insects.It's also demonstrated specific food selectivity,and those with high body temperature and with more active movement objects such as frog and mouse were preyed in high incidence.Additionally,Dienagkistrodon acutus showed odor sensitivity,it can complete sequential detection,tracing,location and ingestion behavior just by odor sensation.Conclusion(1)Frog and mouse are the best baits for young Dienagkistrodon acutus.(2)Our data revealed that excepted for vision,shake sensation and infrared heat sensation,Dienagkistrodon acutus can also prey by odor sensation,which implied the probability for artificial compound feed exploitation.