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Body composition and gut length ofAkodon azarae (Muridae: Sigmodontinae): relationship with energetic requirements

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Abstract

Akodon azarae (J. Fischer, 1829) is a small omnivorous murid rodent that lives in environments with seasonal fluctuations of food. Seasonal variation in its body composition and gut length, in relation to reproductive status, was studied. Physical Condition Index (PCI) and body composition showed seasonal differences, however, there were no differences in intestine length. The PCI was higher for both mature males and reproductive females compared to immature males and non-reproductive females. Lipid, protein and ash content showed differences in relation to reproductive status. The results suggest thatA. azarae meets the additional costs of pregnancy and lactation by increasing energy intake, without relying on reserves.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio Ecofisiología, Departamento Biología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CC 1245, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina

    Juana Cristina Del Valle & Cristina Busch

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  1. Juana Cristina Del Valle
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  2. Cristina Busch
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Correspondence to Juana Cristina Del Valle.

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Associate Editor was Joseph F. Merritt.

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Del Valle, J.C., Busch, C. Body composition and gut length ofAkodon azarae (Muridae: Sigmodontinae): relationship with energetic requirements. Acta Theriol 48, 347–357 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03194174

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03194174

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