Energy requirements of antarctic sledge dogs
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 full...
| Published in: | British Journal of Nutrition |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | unknown |
| Published: |
The Nutrition Society
1981
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/524581/ https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN19810081 |
| Summary: | 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. |
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