Synthetically-fed

Describing an organism, primarily animals, that receives nourishment and sustenance primarily through artificial means, typically involving prepared formulas, manufactured nutrients, or laboratory-produced substances, rather than natural food sources. This method bypasses natural digestive processes and can involve intravenous delivery, gavage (tube feeding), or other techniques to ensure the animal obtains essential nutrients. The practice is common in research, animal care, and, sometimes, livestock production, with implications for animal welfare and health.

Synthetically-fed meaning with examples

• In the study, newborn piglets were synthetically-fed with a carefully formulated milk substitute to examine the effects of varying nutrient ratios on their growth and development. The researchers monitored the piglets' weight, organ function, and overall health to assess the effectiveness of the synthetic diet compared to a control group fed a natural sow's milk.
• Orphaned wild animals, such as baby birds or fawns, often require synthetically-fed diets when their mothers are unavailable. Wildlife rehabilitators use specialized formulas, carefully mimicking the nutritional content of the animal's natural diet, delivered through a dropper or syringe to ensure proper nourishment.
• Modern aquaculture often relies on synthetically-fed fish to optimize growth rates and control the composition of the fish. The fish are provided with pelleted feeds containing processed ingredients, vitamins, and minerals, differing from wild counterparts consuming natural prey, which often impacts their overall nutrient profiles.
• Animals in zoos, especially specialized or rescued species, may occasionally be synthetically-fed to meet very particular nutritional needs. This is to ensure they receive nutrients in a precise way and is used when natural diets aren't feasible or when there are specific health needs.