title: Energy equivalents of oxygen consumption in animal energetics.
abstract: The energy equivalents given in the literature are reviewed and criticised. New equivalents are calculated for protein respiration.The energy equivalent for converting rate of oxygen consumption into rate of heat production (Qoxcal mg-1oxygen consumed) is 3.53 cal mg-1for carbohydrate oxidation, 3.28 cal mg-1(range 3.22-3.32) for fat oxidation. Qoxvalues for the respiration of standard protein are the same at 3.25 cal mg-1for ureotelic and uricotelic animals, and about 2% less at 3.20 cal mg-1for ammoniotelic animals. The energy equivalent for converting rate of oxygen consumption into rate of energy loss in excreta (Qexcal mg-1) varies considerably with different excretory products. Values for standard protein are 0.62 cal mg-1for ammonioteles, 0.58 cal mg-1for ureoteles, and 0.94 cal mg-1for uricoteles.The various factors affecting both Qoxand Qexare discussed, and examples of the estimation of general energy equivalents are given.
authors.affiliation: Windermere Laboratory, Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.affiliation: Windermere Laboratory, Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Davison