Posted by:
jmartin104
at Wed Jun 18 14:13:47 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by jmartin104 ]
As you can see, you will get varying defs of PF. As long as I have been involved with reptiles, this is my opinion:
PF is the attempt to grow an animal quicker than it might normally grow. For example, as documented by the Barkers, the average female will reach a weight of about 1000 grams by her third winter. A study performed by them of 3 females, optimally kept, reached a weight of just over 1000 grams in the first year. I cannot comment further because I do not know the constraints of their experiment.
PF is considered by many, an attempt to make the animal grow faster over a shorter period of time.
Does it hurt them? I would think sustained PF over several years has the potential for damage, however, you must take other factors into consideration: seasonal temps, exercise, age, growth cycle, breeding, loading, etc.
And to my knowledge no study has been performed that would lead to anything conclusive.
Use common sense and learn as much as you can and you and your animal will be happy.
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Jay A. Martin
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RE: While we're on the subject of feeding... - jmartin104, Wed Jun 18 14:13:47 2003