Weights and Fat in Lapwings Vanellus vanellus and Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus Starved to Death during a Cold Spell in Spring

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Abstract
Weights and fat levels in body and liver in 6 lapwings and 6 oystercatchers starved to death during a cold spell in spring were investigated. Compared with control groups the starved Lapwings and Oystercatchers had 46 and 38% lower total weights respectively. Fat-free dry weights were 45 and 35% lower whereas body fat was drastically reduced by 92 and 91% in the starved groups. Proportional water content was remarkably constant, 71-72% in both species and in normal and starved birds. There was an appreciable reduction of dry liver mass which only to a minor part depended on a depletion of liver fat. The reduction of total fat-free dry body is supposed to depend mainly on a mobilization of muscle protein as an energy source when the fat depots are depleted. The reduction of liver dry mass is partly unexplained. Such drastic emaciation in birds is uncompatible with life even if environmental conditions are changed before the death of the birds.

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