From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2002-09-01 03:33:45 UTC
Subject: RE: Bob C: Ferret Caretaker Quiz
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <p05111701b997387fb7a0@[10.0.1.44]>
>Sukie pointed out that the life spans of animals fed a natural diet
>were similar to those fed a dry, >extruded one, so she doubted if
>the difference was significant. That might be true, but it is
>more >likely that the conditions are not controlled, so other
>factors could be maskiing the effect. In other >words, you might be
>gaining lifespan via diet, but losing some due to lack of exercise,
>so the lifespan >seems similar. Such observations are invalid
>without stringent controls.
Yes, but it is also essential to point out that virtually EVERY
aspect of this discussion is based upon hypotheses (conjecture,
suppositions) in the discussion of such refinements of ferret diet
rather than upon any ferret studies. There simply are NOT the
studies needed at this point to support or deny any of these
hypotheses in a strong fashion, so the mantle of "untested" fits over
each of them.
That is why it makes sense to discuss possible ups and downs of each
of these but to recall that none have the evidence at this point to
hold them as hard and fast rules, as I said in relation not only to
what others prefer but to what I tend to prefer.
As long as the discussion remains polite and new points are pointed
out, though, it gives food for thought through assorted thoughts upon
food. It's just that none of us can assume that more is known than
actually is, and the discussion must remain polite and tolerant.
Food discussions in the past have several times led to the discussion
having to be ended by moderators due to lack of new points or due to
intolerance of varying opinions.