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

• Main Authors: Renecker, Lyle A., Hudson, Robert J., Christophersen, Mitchell K., Arelis, Cheryl
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 1978
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1749

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℃.