The effects of dietary deprivation on body temperature and oxygen consumption in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).
1. Body temperature (Tb) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were compared between fed (Control), food and water deprived (FWD), and water deprived (WD) black-tailed prairie dogs, in the month of January. 2. Mean Tb of Control black-tailed prairie dogs (36.2 degrees C) was significantly different from FWD (33.4 degrees C) and WD (30.4 degrees C) black-tailed prairie dogs. 3. VO2 was not significantly different between FWD and Control black-tailed prairie dogs (4.4 and 4.0 ml O2/kg/hr, respectively), while VO2 was significantly different between WD and Control animals (2.9 and 4.0 ml O2/kg/hr, respectively). 4. These findings are discussed as possible mechanisms for conserving body water.
Wallace
G M
GM
Northwest College, Powell, WY 82435.
Pfeiffer
E W
EW
D000818:Animals; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D012589:Sciuridae / Q000502:physiology*; D013217:Starvation
D010100:Oxygen