Practical aspects of grass-cutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) breeding. VI. Preventive measures against insufficient incisor wear

Abstract

Experiments were carried out with grass-cutters captured or born in captivity in order to study the elements facilitating incisor attrition and to analyze the effect of vitamin C addition to daily rations on incisor wear. The grass-cutters mainly used metal and wood for mechanical incisor wear. The hypothesis that an excessive incisor growth was caused by avitaminosis C was not confirmed. Losses due to dental problems could be prevented by providing animals with devices and various materials. In addition, coarse materials included into the diet and a non stressful environment might help ensure proper incisor wear.