Energy metabolism of underwater swimming in river-otters (Lutra lutra L.).
We used a still-water swim channel in conjunction with open-flow oxygen and carbon dioxide respirometry to examine the energy requirements of river-otters (Lutra lutra L.) swimming voluntarily underwater in Neumünster Zoo (Germany). While at rest on land (5 degrees C), river-otters had a respiratory quotient of 0.77 and a resting metabolic rate of 4.1 W kg-1. This increased to an estimated 6.4 W kg-1 during rest in water (11-15 degrees C) and to 12.3 W kg-1 when the animals were feeding in the channel. River-otters swimming under water preferred a mean speed of 0.89 m s-1, and their energy requirements attained 11.6 W kg-1. Cost of transport, however, was minimal at 1.3 m s-1 and amounted to 0.95 J N-1 m-1.
Pfeiffer
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P
Abteilung Meereszoologie, Universität Kiel, Germany.
Culik
B M
BM
D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005618:Fresh Water; D005858:Germany; D010041:Otters / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D013550:Swimming; D013996:Time and Motion Studies