Metabolic rate and plasma T3 in ad lib. fed and starved muskoxen

Authors

  • K.J. Nilssen Brattøra Research Station, University of Trondheim, Gryta 2, N-7010 Trondheim, Norway
  • S.D. Mathiesen Department of Arctic Biology, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
  • A.S. Blix Department of Arctic Biology, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/2.14.2.1137

Keywords:

muskoxen, Ovibos moschatus, thyroidal hormones, starvation, metabolic rate

Abstract

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) in two 12 yrs., semidomesticated, female muskoxen was 0.86 ± 0.10 W • kg-1 in winter, and 1.74 ± 0.27 W • kg-1 in summer, (p<0.001). After 6 days of starvation RMR was down to 0.62 + 0.07 W • kg-1 and 0.77 ± 0.03 W • kg-1 (p<0.001) in winter and summer, respectively. RMR during starvation in winter was 19% below predicted RMR for animals of equal body mass. Standing RMR was significantly higher (p<0.01) than lying RMR. Winter plasma levels of T3 in both animals were 1-1 nmol • l-1 when food was freely available, and 1.4 nmol • l-1 after 6 days of starvation. Plasma concentration of T3 in another 8 free ranging semi-domesticated, female muskoxen aged 12 yrs. in March was 0.64 ± 0.20 nmol • l-1. Corrseponding value in August was 1.00 ± 0.10 nmol • l-1, being significantly higher (p<0.01) than the winter value.

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Published

1994-12-01

How to Cite

Nilssen, K., Mathiesen, S., & Blix, A. (1994). Metabolic rate and plasma T3 in ad lib. fed and starved muskoxen. Rangifer, 14(2), 79–81. https://doi.org/10.7557/2.14.2.1137

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (1994)

Section

Articles

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