Energy requirements of antarctic sledge dogs

• Published in: British Journal of Nutrition
• Main Authors: Campbell, I. T., Donaldson, J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1981
• Subjects: Nutrition and Dietetics; Medicine (miscellaneous); Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/bjn19810081; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0007114581000147

1. Eighteen male sledge dogs were weighed immediately on removal from their sheltered winter quarters at Halley Bay, Antarctica (75° 31′s, 26° 42′W) and weekly thereafter for 14 weeks. The first 2 weeks they were tethered and inactive and the following 12 weeks travelled an average of 10.9 km/d fully laden. Daily energy intake during winter and while tethered averaged 18–25 MJ/d and while travelling 13.9 MJ/0d. 2. Mean weight loss during the 2 weeks of inactivity was 2.3 kg despite an energy intake almost twice the recommended requirement. During the 12 weeks travelling energy intake decreased to 13.9 MJ/d but the weight loss stopped. Weather conditions at this time were becoming progressively milder. 3. The evidence suggests that sledge dogs are capable of high levels of cold-induced and possibly diet-induced thermogenesis and that these factors, particularly the former should be taken into account when designing dog rations and feeding schedules.