SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE CALORIC INTAKE OF DOGS LIVING IN AN ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
The seasonal variations in the average daily caloric intake and body weight of five Husky dogs and five Beagle dogs were measured over twelve and eight-month periods, respectively, during which the average monthly temperature ranged from +17 C to -22 C. The caloric intake of the Huskies rose from a midsummer low of 49 Cal./day to a November high of 87 Cal./day. Mid- and late winter values averaged about 79 Cal./day. During late winter there was no relationship between the day to day temperature and caloric intake. In the Beagles, acute and later chronic exposure to cold in March caused a marked increase (80 to 131 Cal./day) in caloric intake. They, like the Huskies, tended toward inimum values (85 Cal./day) during the summer. With the onset of winter the Beagles increased their intake to a high of 144 Cal./day in November. Over-all, these data showed that the relative magnitude of the seasonal changes were quite similar in both groups of dogs and suggested that seasonal changes in insulation are supplementary to seasonal changes in caloric intake. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0278527
Entities
People
- John L. Durrer
- John P. Hannon