Abstract
The metabolic rates of grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster) were determined every third day from birth to adulthood. Metabolic rates were quantitated by measuring oxygen consumption in an open circuit system. There was a rapid fall in oxygen consumption from the third day after birth until the ninth day. Mice which were housed separately assumed a constant metabolic rate at an earlier age than mice which were kept with litter-mates. The greatest increases in metabolism occurred when immature mice were separated from litter-mates for oxygen consumption determinations. It is concluded that huddling plays an important role in reducing the metabolic rate of young grasshopper mice.
Recommended Citation
Bailey, Meredith; Baeyens, Dennis A.; and Mann, Lana
(1979)
"Age and Huddling as Determinants of Metabolic Rate in Grasshopper Mice (Onychomys leucogaster),"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 33, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol33/iss1/9
