Nutrition of the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)
- 1 December 1974
- journal article
- Published by Canadian Science Publishing in Canadian Journal of Zoology
- Vol. 52 (12) , 1553-1558
- https://doi.org/10.1139/z74-201
Abstract
Protein and maintenance energy requirements of the adult snowshoe hare in May and June were examined using complete nitrogen and energy balances (respiration calorimetry) and a digestion trial. Isocaloric diets varying from 10 to 26% crude protein were used. Ad libitum dry matter intake of experimental diets was 6.4% of body weight. Metabolic fecal nitrogen was 0.6 g/100 g diet dry matter. Indirect evidence was found that digestible protein requirement of a 1.5-kg hare is 2.6 g/kg metabolic body weight (W0.75) or less. Daily intakes of digestible, metabolizable, and net energy necessary to maintain body energy equilibrium at 18 to 20C with minimal physical activity were determined to be 122, 116, and 91 kcal/kg W0.75, respectively. These data may serve as a first step in estimating maximum carrying capacity of hare habitat provided quantity and nutritive value of applicable natural foods are known.Keywords
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