Types of sterilization in feed containing different lipidic sources for golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

The Golden hamster has been gaining significance as a new experimental biomodel, finding use as a reliable diagnostic tool in biomedical research and for zoonosis. Authentic data in terms of digestibility, interactions among raw materials and essential nutrients, besides the influence exerted by various sterilization processes on animal behavior remain unclear. We aimed to assess the influence of sterilization, via autoclaving and irradiation, of pellet feeds prepared using salmon or linseed oil on the digestibility and plasma biochemical parameters in Golden hamsters. Randomized evaluations were conducted on 36 adult male Golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), distributed in six treatments and six replications, namely: common salmon oil; radiated salmon; autoclaved salmon; common linseed oil; radiated linseed and autoclaved linseed. A remarkable effect of the sterilization was evident on the digestibility and protein solubility of the feed, which was lower for autoclaved diets. There was also a significant effect on blood parameters. Animals fed diets containing linseed oil showed lower blood glucose compared to the others. Thus, the inference reached was that while salmon and linseed oil can be used in laboratory hamster feeds, autoclaving disturbs the nutritional quality of the rations.Key words: animal facilities; essential fatty acid, irradiation; laboratory animal; nutrition.