ISSN:
1432-136X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The influence of ambient temperature and water supply on water metabolism and O2-consumption was measured in rock hyraxes (Procavia habessinica). With ad libitum food and water (control), water turnover rates of hyraxes were significantly lower than the general eutherian mean; water turnover rates were 61.4, 44.1 and 55.1 ml·kg−0.82·24 h−1 at 20, 27 and 35°C respectively. When greens were fed ad libitum but no drinking water was given, water turnover rate at 20°C was twofold higher, but at 27 and 35°C it was similar to that in control experiments. Water turnover rates were significantly reduced when no drinking water and only 25 g greens per day were offered (25.8, 22.0 and 29.3 ml·kg−0.82·24 h−1 at 20, 27 and 35°C respectively). Highest urine osmolality (3,200 mosm·kg−1) was recorded at 20°C. Oxygen consumption under control conditions was 43% below that predicted on the basis of body weight for most eutherian mammals. The thermoneutral zone ranged from 27 to 35°C, and the basal metabolic rate was 165 kJ·kg−0.75·h−1.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00688805
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