SHEDDING OF THE JUVENILE AND WINTER HAIR COATS OF MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) WITH EMPHASIS ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE WINTER TICK, DERMACENTOR ALBIPICTUS

Authors

  • W. M. Samuel
  • D. A. Welch
  • Mark L. Drew

Abstract

The sequence of the first hair molt was documented for 16 pen-reared, calf moose of Alberta. Although timing of initiation of molt varied, the sequence was as follows: (1) eyes, nose, lips, and ears;  (2) mid-dorsal and mid-ventral areas; (3) back and sternum; (4) sides and face; (5) the shoulders, neck and legs. Shedding of the winter hair was determined for 7 tick-free and 4 tick-infested, captive, moose aged approximately 7-16 months observed from December to September. Moose with the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) had lost their hair by late January; much of their winter coat was gone by late April, replaced by the summer coat. Moose without the ticks did not begin shedding winter hair until late April. The different sequence of hair loss between the two groups is described.

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Published

1986-01-01

How to Cite

Samuel, W. M., Welch, D. A., & Drew, M. L. (1986). SHEDDING OF THE JUVENILE AND WINTER HAIR COATS OF MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) WITH EMPHASIS ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE WINTER TICK, DERMACENTOR ALBIPICTUS. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 22, 345–360. Retrieved from https://www.alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1353