Seasonal changes in energy economy of farmed polecat as evaluated by body weight, food intake and behavioural strategy.
An analysis of seasonal changes in energy budget of the farmed polecat (Mustela putorius) was performed in subarctic climate. Cyclical variations were found in the body weight of male polecats from maximum values in February (2.1 kg) to minimum values in June-July (1.5 kg). There were only minor seasonal changes in the body weight of females. There was a direct relationship between body weight and voluntary energy intake on one hand (r = 0.89) and an inverse relationship between body weight and locomotor activity (r = -0.88) on the other hand. Energy intake was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher during winter (224 kcal/animal/day) than during summer (142 kcal/animal/day). Total time spent outside the nest was at its maximum during the winter months (60 min/day). The results suggest that in male polecats, changes in absolute food intake induce seasonal changes in body weight. Seasonal changes in locomotor activity seem to be less important in energy balance regulation. The fact that the body weight of females showed only minor seasonal variation supports the role of sexual hormones in the control of the body weight.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D002335:Carnivora / Q000502:physiology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors