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Energy requirements of antarctic sledge dogs

Campbell, I.T.; Donaldson, J.. 1981 Energy requirements of antarctic sledge dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 45 (1). 95-98. 10.1079/BJN19810081

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Abstract/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.

Item Type: Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1079/BJN19810081
ISSN: 0007-1145
Date made live: 30 Jul 2019 10:53 +0 (UTC)
URI: https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/524581

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