SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF FOOD INTAKE IN MOOSE

Authors

  • Charles C. Schwartz
  • Wayne L. Regelin
  • Albert W. Franzmann

Abstract

The seasonal dynamics of dry matter intake were measured with 12 tame moose (Alces alces) fed a pelleted ration from 1979-83. Composition and digestibility of the diet where constant, so changes in dry matter intake reflect changes in physiological appetite of moose. Dry matter intake (DMI) in adults (age >1 year) paralleled seasonal changes in metabolic rates with peak consumption (104-142 g DMI/body weight (BW0.75/day) occurring during summer months (June-September) with a nadir in late winter (50-59 g DMI/BW0.75/day) (March-April). Complete fasting was observed in bulls during the rut and lasted as long as 18 days. Cows reduced intake during part of the breeding season (54-58 g DMI/BW0.75/day) with lowest intakes similar to those observed during late winter. Information presented serves as a baseline for comparison to other studies where dry matter digestibility and rate of passage vary seasonally with diet quality.

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Published

1984-01-01

How to Cite

Schwartz, C. C., Regelin, W. L., & Franzmann, A. W. (1984). SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF FOOD INTAKE IN MOOSE. Alces, 20, 223–244. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1463

Issue

Vol. 20 (1984): Alces Vol. 20 (1984)

Section

Articles

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