Seasonal variation in the metabolic rate and body composition of female grey seals: fat conservation prior to high-cost reproduction in a capital breeder?

Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology
Carol E SparlingMichael A Fedak

Abstract

Many animals rely on stored energy through periods of high energy demand or low energy availability or both. A variety of mechanisms may be employed to attain and conserve energy for such periods. Wild grey seals demonstrate seasonal patterns of energy storage and foraging behaviour that appear to maximize the allocation of energy to reproduction--a period characterized by both high energy demand and low food availability. We examined seasonal patterns in resting rates of oxygen consumption as a proxy for metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition in female grey seals (four adults and six juveniles), testing the hypothesis that adults would show seasonal changes in RMR related to the reproductive cycle but that juveniles would not. There was significant seasonal variation in rates of resting oxygen consumption of adult females, with rates being highest in the spring and declining through the summer months into autumn. This variation was not related to changes in water temperature. Adults increased in total body mass and in fat content during the same spring to autumn period that RMR declined. RMR of juveniles showed no clear seasonal patterns, but did increase with increasing mass. These data support the hypothesis that seasonal...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 8, 2014·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Taiki AdachiAkinori Takahashi
Nov 16, 2013·Journal of Thermal Biology·J MellishM Horning
Jan 13, 2012·Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ·Daniel E CrockerPaul M Webb
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Mar 17, 2016·World Journal of Biological Chemistry·Biswaranjan PaitalGagan Bihari Nityananda Chainy
Aug 5, 2016·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Nicole M ThometzTerrie M Williams
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Apr 18, 2020·Frontiers in Physiology·Xiaoshang RuHongsheng Yang
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Mar 5, 2021·Conservation Physiology·Nicole M ThometzColleen Reichmuth
Sep 4, 2007·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Susan L GallonDave Thompson

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