Determining the appropriate protein level in the diet for commercial Palm Masked Civets from 2 to 12 months of age
This study was conducted to determine the appropriate dietary crude protein level for commercial masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) during the growing–fattening period from 2 to 12 months of age. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with one factor being dietary crude protein levels (12%, 13%, and 14%), while all diets were formulated to provide similar metabolisable energy levels. A total of 45 masked palm civets aged 2 months were allocated into three treatment groups, each consisting of 15 animals with three replicates. The evaluated parameters included body weight growth, average daily gain, selected morphometric traits (head length, body length, and tail length), feed conversion ratio, and economic efficiency. The results indicated that dietary protein levels significantly affected growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of masked palm civets. Animals fed the 14% protein diet achieved the highest final body weight (5,520.67 g/head) and average daily gain (15.75 g/head/day), along with the lowest feed conversion ratio (14.05 kg feed/kg weight gain). However, in terms of economic efficiency, the 13% protein diet resulted in the highest profit (2,365,957 VND/head), owing to a better balance between growth rate and feed cost. Morphometric traits increased with age and tended to be greater in groups receiving higher protein levels, particularly during the 2 - 8 month growth period. In conclusion, a dietary crude protein level of 13% was identified as the most suitable for commercial masked palm civet production from 2 to 12 months of age, ensuring favorable growth performance while maximizing economic returns. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing sustainable feeding and management strategies for masked palm civet farming.
