What key nutritional components are lacking in an exclusively suet diet compared to natural foraging?
Answer
Calcium and specific micronutrients found in insect exoskeletons and wild fruits
While suet provides an exceptional energy boost due to its high fat content, making it vital during harsh weather, it does not constitute a complete nutritional replacement for a natural, year-round foraging regime. A primary limitation of an exclusive suet diet is the absence of critical minerals and micronutrients. These essential elements are naturally obtained when the birds consume the exoskeletons of various insects and consume a diverse array of wild fruits and nuts. Therefore, reliance solely on suet can lead to deficiencies in calcium and other specific micronutrients required for overall long-term health and proper physiological function.
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