Dusting the gutload?

[Lil’ Sneak]

Newbie question; anyone have thoughts or information on dusting the gutload as opposed to the feeders? Is it possible?

 

[Lil’ Sneak]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/no-dusting-all-gutload.172450/

just found this... may be just what we’re looking for...

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Newbie question; anyone have thoughts or information on dusting the gutload as opposed to the feeders? Is it possible?

I mentioned the possibility of gutloading my dubias with herptivite and/or calcium rather than dusting, because my lizard hates the dusting, whether the taste or texture, or whatever.

The problem is, I can't tell if the dubias are actually eating the powders, and if so, how much (enough?)

 

[DocZ]

Newbie question; anyone have thoughts or information on dusting the gutload as opposed to the feeders? Is it possible?

Yes, direct gut loading of Minerals and nutrients can increase the nutrient content of the feeders
A study by Finke in 2003 showed Ca and Vitamin A in crickets and Ca in silkworms increased in a linear fashion with gut loading supplementation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/zoo.10082
They did note that over time Calcium in the diet led to shortened life span of the feeders

I’ve gone back to adding a little Herptivite in my feeder gut loads. The only fat soluble vitamin in it is Vitamin E (and maybe K) but it has lots B complex vitamins, some beta-carotene, and amino acids too, along with some Calcium.

 

[DocZ]

It may be that we would also be better off exposing our insects to UVB. There’s some evidence that insects also produce D3 when exposed to UVB

https://vitamindwiki.com/Insects+create+Vitamin+D+from+light+(similar+to+most+animals)+–+July+2018

It’s been noted that many of our feeders are nocturnal insects in contrast to the diurnal insects that chameleons would normally be eating. Could it be this might mean these Diurnal insects have better Ca ratios due to more efficient Calcium uptake through a D3 driven process?

 

[Pearl Fields]

It may be that we would also be better off exposing our insects to UVB. There’s some evidence that insects also produce D3 when exposed to UVB

https://vitamindwiki.com/Insects+create+Vitamin+D+from+light+(similar+to+most+animals)+–+July+2018

It’s been noted that many of our feeders are nocturnal insects in contrast to the diurnal insects that chameleons would normally be eating. Could it be this might mean these Diurnal insects have better Ca ratios due to more efficient Calcium uptake through a D3 driven process?

Wow this is an interesting point. Never thought of it before, but makes sense

 

[DocZ]

I mentioned the possibility of gutloading my dubias with herptivite and/or calcium rather than dusting, because my lizard hates the dusting, whether the taste or texture, or whatever.

The problem is, I can't tell if the dubias are actually eating the powders, and if so, how much (enough?)

I can’t tell how much they’re eating either. I dust gut loads with herptivite, bee pollen, spirulina, and chlorella

If they uptake some of any of those I think you’re improving Feeders nutrition

 

[Beman]

Newbie question; anyone have thoughts or information on dusting the gutload as opposed to the feeders? Is it possible?

I would not do it as a replacement for dusting feeders. You can add additional items to the gutload like bee pollen and spirulina though.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Yes, direct gut loading of Minerals and nutrients can increase the nutrient content of the feeders
A study by Finke in 2003 showed Ca and Vitamin A in crickets and Ca in silkworms increased in a linear fashion with gut loading supplementation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/zoo.10082
They did note that over time Calcium in the diet led to shortened life span of the feeders

Shorter than being snarfed alive?

I’ve gone back to adding a little Herptivite in my feeder gut loads. The only fat soluble vitamin in it is Vitamin E (and maybe K) but it has lots B complex vitamins, some beta-carotene, and amino acids too, along with some Calcium.

Ah... Centrum Spectrum Silver (for 'meleons)!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I would not do it as a replacement for dusting feeders.

I wouldn't either if "Ol' Lizard Lips" didn't whinge & sulk every time...