ABSTRACT

Whole prey samples of green frogs, Rana clamitans, and southern toads, Bufo terrestris, were analyzed for proximate composition (moisture, lipid, protein, ash), fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and selected minerals. The green frogs (n=7) were obtained from a pond in Cold Springs Harbor, NY in August 1996. The southern toads (n=5) were collected in July 1996 on St. Catherine's Island, GA. Water (77.5 ± 1.3 vs. 71.8 ± 2.9, %) and crude protein (71.2 ± 3.3 vs. 61.0 ± 1.2, % DM) percentages were significantly higher in frogs than in toads; all other proximate constituents were similar. Vitamin A was extremely variable, but averaged approximately 29,000 IU/kg DM (both species), while vitamin E in frogs was significantly lower (82.2 ± 1 5 .6 IU/kg DM) than in toads (369.3 ± 169.0 IU/kg DM). Frogs contained extremely high magnesium levels (2.5 ± 0.1 %DM) that may be considered excessive and affect mineral nutrition. Frogs also contained significantly higher values of calcium and sodium than toads. Copper, iron and zinc levels were significantly higher in toads than in frogs. Overall, both species met established nutritional requirements for domestic carnivores, with the exception of manganese in toads and zinc in frogs.