Winter weights and prebasic molt of captive mallards fed diets differing in quantity and quality / David M. Richardson
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TextSeries: Thesis. (M.S.)Publication details: Mississippi : Mississippi State University, 1989.Abstract: Effects of food availability and quality on body weights and prebasic molt of captive, wild-strain (WS) mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were investigated during winters 1987-88 and 1988- 89. A simultaneous,comparative study of body-weight patterns of game-farm (GF) mallards was also conducted. WS and GF female mallards received either ad libitum or restricted amounts of food in the food-availability experiment (1987-88). In the food-quality experiment (1988-89), WS mallards received ad libitum amounts daily of either a maintenance ration (control), corn only, or corn daily but replaced once weekly with the control ration. WS females fed restricted amounts of food weighed less and initiated the prebasic molt later than those fed ad libitum for the 13-week treatment period. Both sexes fed ad libitum declined in weight 7% during winter, but the biological significance and mechanism (endogenous vs. negative energy balance hypotheses) of this decrease was questionable. All eleven females th
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Effects of food availability and quality on body weights and prebasic molt of captive, wild-strain (WS) mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were investigated during winters 1987-88 and 1988- 89. A simultaneous,comparative study of body-weight patterns of game-farm (GF) mallards was also conducted. WS and GF female mallards received either ad libitum or restricted amounts of food in the food-availability experiment (1987-88). In the food-quality experiment (1988-89), WS mallards received ad libitum amounts daily of either a maintenance ration (control), corn only, or corn daily but replaced once weekly with the control ration. WS females fed restricted amounts of food weighed less and initiated the prebasic molt later than those fed ad libitum for the 13-week treatment period. Both sexes fed ad libitum declined in weight 7% during winter, but the biological significance and mechanism (endogenous vs. negative energy balance hypotheses) of this decrease was questionable. All eleven females th