Oxygen consumption, thermoregulation, and the effect of fur oiling and washing on the sea otter, Enhydra lutris

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Abstract
The relative importance of a water-repellent fur was assessed by changes in O2 consumption (.ovrhdot.VO2) and in body and s.c. temperatures before and after oiling and washing in 15.degree.C. Changes in posture and .ovrhdot.VO2 in 5 sea otters were measured while immersed in water from 5-30.degree. C. Measurements were made in a enclosed water bath with .ovrhdot.VO2 determined by open-flow respirometry. Core body and s.c. temperature were telemetered. Resting .ovrhdot.VO2 was 11.7 ml O2 .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. min-1 and did not significantly increase with decreasing temperature. Average and active .ovrhdot.VO2 increased with decreasing temperature. Average .ovrhdot.VO2 (16.0 ml O2 .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. min-1) increased 41% (22.0 ml O2 .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. min-1) after oiling 20% of the total fur surface and more than doubled (32.6 ml O2 .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. min-1) after washing. Oiling and washing reduced the fur''s insulating quality. The result was an energetic liability, since the average maintenance .ovrhdot.VO2 doubled in 15.degree. C water; this temperature is above typical water temperatures for this species, which range from, 0.degree. C (Alaska) to 12.degree. C (California) [USA]. Average .ovrhdot.VO2 returned to control levels after a minimum of 8 days.