Energy metabolism of oiled muskrats

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Abstract
The heat production of muskrats (Ondatra zibethica), oiled with varying quantities of crude oil, was measured at three ambient temperatures, −5, 5, and 10C on days 0, 1, and 3 after oiling. On day 0, the heat production of muskrats oiled with 1.9 to 42.3 g of oil was from 14 to 119% higher, respectively, than the non-oiled muskrats. Three days after oiling, the metabolic rate of oiled muskrats was about the same as the control values. A similar trend was determined for ambient temperatures of 5 and 10C. Heavy oiling increased the thermal conduction of muskrats by as much as 122%. To compensate for the loss of insulation and increased thermal conductivity of the fur, there was a 2.5-fold increase in dry-matter intake. In view of their dependence on water, both for feeding activities and a place for refuge, it is doubtful if muskrats exposed to moderate quantities of oil could survive under natural conditions.

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