Seasonal Changes in Food Preferences of American Robins in Captivity

The Auk ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 374-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel T. Wheelwright
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
American Robins ◽  
In Captivity

Seasonal changes in food selection and nutrition of captive platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomas ◽  
Kathrine A. Handasyde ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith ◽  
Marissa L. Parrott
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Seasonal Factors ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ad Libitum

Anecdotal observations of captive platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) suggest that they show a seasonal preference for particular foods, but this has never been rigorously measured. This study aimed to determine seasonal food preferences and energy consumption of captive platypuses so that better protocols for maintaining platypuses in captivity can be developed. Seven platypuses were fed an ad libitum diet with all food items weighed in and out of tanks. Food items were analysed for energy, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Platypuses preferred less mobile prey (mealworms, earthworms and fly pupae) over highly mobile prey (crayfish). There was no significant seasonal change in preference for different dietary items, which is more likely to be driven by prey behaviour. Crayfish contributed the largest percentage (mass) consumed and was highly nutritious. While the relative percentage of items in the diet did not change seasonally, the quantity eaten did. The mean energy intake of platypuses was 921 kJ kg–1 day–1 and varied seasonally, being lowest during the breeding season (810 kJ kg–1 day–1) and highest in the postbreeding season (1007 kJ kg–1 day–1). These changes were associated with preparation and recovery from the breeding season. We conclude that the platypus diet is influenced by nutrition and seasonal factors as well as by prey behaviour. This knowledge will contribute to improving the husbandry and management of platypuses, which are widely recognised as difficult to maintain in captivity.

scholarly journals Food preferences of cockatiel chicks ( Nymphicus hollandicus ) in captivity

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 683-686
Author(s):  
D.A.S. Naves ◽  
T.S.G. Carvalho ◽  
M.G. Zangeronimo ◽  
C.E.P. Saad ◽  
J.D. Scalon
Keyword(s):  
Food Preferences ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Nymphicus Hollandicus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Seed Mixture ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Extruded Feed ◽  
Incandescent Lamps

ABSTRACT In order to improve the management and maintenance of the quality of life of captive wild birds, this study aimed to assess the food preferences of cockatiel chicks (Nymphicus hollandicus) kept in captivity. Thirty-two cockatiel chicks, three to 12 months of age, were kept in a galvanized, wire-netted vivarium with six ceramic feeders, two for an extruded diet, two for a dry-mashed diet and two for a seed mixture. Both extruded and dry-mashed food are commercial psittacine diets. Three round ceramic pots were used to provide water. The birds were exposed to 12 hours of artificial light (40 W incandescent lamps) during the experimental period of 27 days. The birds were observed by video filming, daily, through an ad libitum observation technique. The food consumption was 3.34±0.42g/bird/day of extruded feed, 1.58±0.44g/bird/day of dry-mashed diet and 3.73±0.10g/bird/day of seed mixture. In conclusion, the cockatiel chicks preferred the seed mixture and the extruded food over the dry-mashed diet.

Diet selection in Arctic lemmings (Lemmus sibericus and Dicrostonyx groenlandicus): food preferences

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1161-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur R. Rodgers ◽  
Martin C. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Secondary Compounds ◽  
Diet Selection ◽  
Caloric Content ◽  
Dicrostonyx Groenlandicus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Preference Patterns ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Testing of hypotheses relating lemming population dynamics to their food supply requires a detailed understanding of several major components of the diet selection process such as requirements, availability, preference, and selectivity. In this study, food preferences of Arctic lemmings were determined in cafeteria trials: Lemmus preferred graminoids and moss, while Dicrostonyx preferred shrubs and herbs. The stability of these preference patterns in each species was tested in further experimental cafeteria trials. Individuals of both species were pretreated on one of several diets, and two main types of trial were conducted involving limited and unlimited availability of test foods. Naive animals of both species, born and raised in captivity on artificial diets, were also used in the trials. In all cases, preference patterns in each species were maintained, suggesting that they are strongly heritable. Comparison of preference indices to the physical and chemical characteristics of tundra plants indicates that preference patterns in both species are related primarily to macronutrients and caloric content. Differences between Lemmus and Dicrostonyx are determined by secondary compounds and the physical characteristics of the plant species preferred by each. Comparison of ingestion rates and digestibility coefficients indicate that Dicrostonyx has a greater capacity than Lemmus in dealing with the negative characteristics of plants, such as secondary compounds or the presence of plant "hairs."

Developmental and seasonal changes in resting metabolic rates of captive female grey seals

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 1781-1789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrice Boily ◽  
David M. Lavigne
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Resting Metabolic Rate ◽  
Halichoerus Grypus ◽  
Metabolic Rates ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Predicted Values

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) data obtained from five juvenile and three adult female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in captivity over a period of 3.5 years were examined for developmental and seasonal changes. Three juveniles exhibited a significant relationship between log10 RMR and log10 mass, with individual slopes ranging from 0.42 to 1.62. Two of these exhibited a significant relationship between log10 RMR and log10 age. The remaining two juveniles and the three adults exhibited no significant relationship between RMR and body mass. With increasing size and age, RMRs of juveniles approached predicted values for adult mammals, but the large variation made it difficult to establish the precise age at which they achieved an adult-like RMR. RMRs of adults and juveniles exhibited marked seasonal changes. In juveniles, seasonal changes in RMR were limited to the annual moult, when the average RMR was 35% higher than during the rest of the year. In adults, changes in RMR were not limited to the time of the annual moult; rather, RMR was lower (by up to 50%) in the summer than during other seasons.

Seasonal Studies of Body Condition in Platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, Managed in Captivity at Healesville Sanctuary.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
D.L. McDonald ◽  
L. Fisk ◽  
B. Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity

Platypuses at Healesville Sanctuary are managed so that the animals are physically examined on a daily basis before being allowed access to the display areas. This enables staff to monitor the health status of each animal by recording its weight and checking for any other physical abnormalities. Weights have been monitored for over ten years and the data presented here depicts seasonal changes and those associated with adaptation to a captive environment. Platypuses are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment and many wild platypuses do not adapt well to a captive environment. When platypuses are brought into the Sanctuary (whether for display purposes or due to injury) they are monitored on a daily basis for any weight changes and other obvious abnormalities. Monitoring of weight changes is continued on a daily basis throughout the captive life of the platypus to assess seasonal changes and any changes associated with reproductive status.

scholarly journals Seasonal changes in gonad maturity, proximate and fatty acid composition of Limbaugh’s damselfish, Chromis limbaughi Greenfield & Woods, 1980 (Pisces: Pomacentridae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-765
Author(s):  
Mayra González-Félix ◽  
Martin Perez-Velazquez ◽  
Hugo Cañedo-Orihuela
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Reproductive Season ◽  
Major Constituent ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
One Year ◽  
Breeding Techniques

Limbaugh?s damselfish, Chromis limbaughi Greenfield & Woods, 1980, is endemic to the Gulf of California, and one of the five most exploited species for the aquarium trade in this region. C. limbaughi is a gonochoristic, gregarious and territorial species without sexual dimorphism that inhabits rocky, sheltered areas. Development of captive breeding techniques for this species would not only ensure a continued supply of fish for the commercial trade, but perhaps more importantly, it would also alleviate fishing pressure and support stock enhancement. Thus, as a first step towards achieving these goals, in this work, we investigated some aspects of the reproductive biology of C. limbaughi. Seasonal fish samplings, with a total of eighty-nine fish caught in one year, were carried out at San Esteban Island, Gulf of California, Mexico. The reproductive season of C. limbaughi extends, at least, from May to September. A new maximum standard length of 10.5 cm is reported for this species. The estimated size at first sexual maturity was 7.90 cm for males and 7.59 cm for females. For both male and female gonads, the major constituent fatty acids were palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid. The water-quality conditions under which maturation of C. limbaughi took place were measured, and should prove useful for the management of broodstock in captivity.

Seasonal changes in ovarian maturation of an Asian Cat fish, Mystus vittatus (Bloch, 1797) in captivity

Biolife ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 620-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnab Basu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Ovarian Maturation ◽  
Mystus Vittatus ◽  
In Captivity

Diet determination for small laboratory-housed wild mammals

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 775-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Périssé ◽  
Carlos Roberto Sörensen Dutra da Fonseca ◽  
Rui Cerqueira
Keyword(s):  
Good Condition ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Free Water ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Preference Index ◽  
Limiting Step ◽  
In Captivity

Adaptation of wild mammals to captivity is a decisive and limiting step in laboratory research. Here we describe a method to determine a diet that meets the nutritional and water requirements of small wild mammals in captivity. Several kinds of food are offered to the animals and a preference index (P) is calculated. A diet prepared with foods obtaining P ≥ 1.00 for 50% or more of the individuals is given to the animals. This diet contains the same proportions of proteins, lipids, and glucides determined by the food preferences experiment. Two groups are fed on this diet, one with free water and the other without, and their weights are monitored for approximately 12 days. The results allow the detection of water and nutritional deficiencies. We used these procedures with the grey four-eyed opossum, Philander opossum (Polyprotodontia, Didelphidae), and obtained a balanced diet of eggs, meat, banana, and orange that has proved suitable for keeping these animals in good condition.

Capture and care of northern long-eared bats (Nyctophilus bifax) and seasonal changes in insect abundance

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Stawski
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Food Source ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Subtropical Region ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Insect Abundance ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Capture Rates

Seasonal capture rates of insectivorous subtropical and tropical Australian northern long-eared bats (Nyctophilus bifax) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in relation to ambient temperature and insect abundance were examined. Insect abundance varied seasonally in a subtropical region and also between subtropical and tropical habitats during winter, and decreased as nightly ambient temperature decreased. While capture rates of N. bifax were not affected by ambient temperatures and insect abundance, most captures occurred within one hour after sunset, which is generally the time of highest activity levels in microbats. Methods of care of N. bifax in captivity are also reported. N. bifax adapted well to short-term captivity (up to 14 days) and readily accepted mealworms as a food source.

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