Iron mobilization during lactation reduces oxygen stores in a diving mammal

Here, the authors show that Weddell seal mothers mobilize endogenous iron stores during lactation to provide to pups, resulting in iron concentrations in milk 100x higher than terrestrial mammals. This was associated with reduced dive durations in the mother, a cost of reproduction.

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature Communications
Main Authors: Michelle R. Shero, Amy L. Kirkham, Daniel P. Costa, Jennifer M. Burns
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2022
Subjects:
Science
Q
Weddell
Weddell Seal
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31863-7
https://doaj.org/article/4b3a53ac2a0c446bab82940e9fad80f1
Description
Summary:Here, the authors show that Weddell seal mothers mobilize endogenous iron stores during lactation to provide to pups, resulting in iron concentrations in milk 100x higher than terrestrial mammals. This was associated with reduced dive durations in the mother, a cost of reproduction.

Similar Items