EFFECT OF POSTURE, FEEDING, LOW TEMPERATURE, AND WIND ON ENERGY EXPENDITURES OF MOOSE CALVES

Authors

  • Lyle A. Renecker
  • Robert J. Hudson
  • Mitchell K. Christophersen
  • Cheryl Arelis

Abstract

Energy expenditures of two moose calves (Alces alces) were studied during late fall and early winter. Interactions of level of feeding, temperature, and posture were examined using a closed-circuit indirect calorimeter. Interactions of temperature and wind were determined in a wind tunnel using the Douglas-bag technique. Increments in energy expenditure due to feeding were approximately 20% over resting metabolism. The energy cost of maintaining a standing posture was in the order of 35%. As temperature dropped from -20℃ to -30℃, metabolic rate increased 36% while standing, but only 2% while lying. Wind speeds up to 8 m sec-1 increased energy expenditures consistently only at temperatures below -20℃.

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Published

1978-01-01

How to Cite

Renecker, L. A., Hudson, R. J., Christophersen, M. K., & Arelis, C. (1978). EFFECT OF POSTURE, FEEDING, LOW TEMPERATURE, AND WIND ON ENERGY EXPENDITURES OF MOOSE CALVES. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 14, 126–140. Retrieved from https://www.alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1749