Energy Content of Seeds of Texas Doveweed (Croton texensis) from the Diet of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) from Southeastern New Mexico

Authors

John L. Hunt, University of Arkansas at MonticelloFollow
Matthew E. Grilliot, Auburn University--MontgomeryFollow
Troy L. Best, Auburn UniversityFollow
Collin S. Deen, University of Arkansas at MonticelloFollow
Dixie Lozano-Lopez, University of Arkansas at MonticelloFollow
Emily R. Neilson, University of Arkansas at MonticelloFollow
Taytumn R. Schlegel-Ridgway, University of Arkansas at MonticelloFollow

Keywords

Texas Doveweed, Croton texensis, Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura, energy content

Abstract

We analyzed the energy content of seeds of Texas doveweed (Croton texensis) obtained from the crops of mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) collected from plains-mesa sand-scrub habitat in Eddy and Lea counties, New Mexico. Seeds were removed from crops and dried for 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture and to standardize masses. Seeds were then analyzed for gross caloric value (i.e., energy content) in an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Energy content of seeds of Texas doveweed was greater than many seeds previously reported from the diet of mourning doves.

Recommended Citation

Hunt, John L.; Grilliot, Matthew E.; Best, Troy L.; Deen, Collin S.; Lozano-Lopez, Dixie; Neilson, Emily R.; and Schlegel-Ridgway, Taytumn R. (2019) "Energy Content of Seeds of Texas Doveweed (Croton texensis) from the Diet of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) from Southeastern New Mexico," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 73, Article 7.
https://doi.org/10.54119/jaas.2019.7305
Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol73/iss1/7