Abstract:
The effect of huddling with nestlings and the resting metabolic rate (RMR) on body temperature (Tb) in pups of Chevrier s field mouse, Apodemus chevrieri from 4 to 48 days of age was evaluated at ambient temperatures (Ta) within and below the adult thermoneutrality range (30 and 20°C, respectively). At 20 °C, huddling behavior and higher RMR significantly increased pups’ Tb until they were 20 days old. 16 days old pups showed an increase in their RMR, associated with on the set of independent thermoregulation. Pups older than 24 days showed a less variable Tb and their RMR decreased. 4 to 16 days old pups were spent more time huddled with their nest mates. The RMR differed between the two Ta evaluated. 20 days old pups reached adult Tb and spent significantly less time in contact with their mother and nest mates. Huddling did not have a significant effect on energy expenditure of young pups, being this related to the stable thermal conditions found in natural burrows and development mode of pups.
Page(s):
1539-1544
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Zoology, Volume: 44, Issue: 6, Year: 2012