Juvenile southern elephant seals exhibit seasonal differences in energetic requirements and use of lipids and protein stores.
Growing juvenile animals undergo many morphological, physiological, and behavioural changes that influence their energetic requirements, patterns of energy use, and ultimately, their survival and reproductive success. We examined changes in mass loss and body composition of juvenile southern elephant seals (1- and 2-yr-olds) during their two annual haul-outs. At the start and end of the midyear and molt haul-outs, we caught, weighed, and measured 41 and 14 seals, respectively. We measured blubber depth using ultrasound to estimate body composition (lean and adipose tissue mass). Using energy densities of the adipose and lean tissue, we calculated total, lean, and adipose mass changes and energy expenditure. While molting, juvenile seals used more energy than during the midyear, which is related to the increased use of lean tissue for hair and skin regeneration. The amount of energy used increases with mass as individuals mature. We found sexual differences in energy use where females retained greater fat reserves than males by utilizing more lean tissue. These differences are most likely related to haul-out function and behavior, growth, and earlier development of females toward sexual maturity.
Field
Iain C
IC
Antarctic Wildlife Research Unit, School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 05, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia. icfield@utas.edu.au
Bradshaw
Corey J A
CJ
Burton
Harry R
HR
Hindell
Mark A
MA
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000818:Animals; D000864:Antarctic Regions; D001823:Body Composition; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D016014:Linear Models; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008297:Male; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D046048:Seals, Earless / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D011506:Proteins