Notes on the Metabolism of a Mountain Goat

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Abstract
The metabolic rate (O2 consumption) of a mountain goat was steady at air temperatures from 20[degree] to -20[degree] C. At -30[degree] C it was elevated by 23% and at -50[degree] C by 130% above the basal level. The critical temperature indicated (just below -20[degree] C) is about as low as the normal winter temperature in the area naturally occupied by Alaskan mountain goats. This area does not extend to the arctic latitudes in which large wild animals were found to encounter lower temperatures without elevated metabolism. The metabolic rate of the goat weighing 32 kg. in its thermoneutral state, 0.26 ml. O2/g./hour, corresponds with the generalization, Rate=KW3/4 and therefore accords with normal expectations for its weight.

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