Suitability of formulated diets as sole diets for farming the brushtail possum for fur

A series of diets from mixed protein sources was tested for acceptability to the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in an open feeding situation. Diets containing cereal, lucerne, and skim milk powder were found to be highly acceptable, whereas inclusion of meatmeal, and possibly oil, decreased acceptability. Initial testing of one of these diets on individually caged farm animals gave high quality pelts but unacceptably high levels of subcutaneous fat. Two further diets were formulated with high fibre/low energy components and tested at 2 farms in association with laboratory testing of a range of diets fed to individually caged possums. At the end of a 3-month feeding period, the laboratory fed animals had 17% body fat, and the farm animals 10%, whereas a feral control group had 5% body fat. Grading of both laboratory and farm skins showed no clear relationships with either fat level or pelt marking.