Measurements and Weight Relationships in Manitoba Elk

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Whole weights (19 specimens) and standard body measurements (21 specimens) were obtained for Manitoba elk (Cervus canadensis manitobensis) collected at Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, within the rather in-definite type locality of this inadequately described subspecies. Mean whole weights of adult bulls (77 pounds) and adult cows (606 pounds) were greater than comparable weights for Rocky Mountain elk (C. c. nelsoni). Body measurements of the two subspecies appear to be very similar. These limited data suggest that the Manitoba elk is not smaller than the Rocky Mountain elk, as has been suggested by previous authors. Hog-dressed weights of 11 Manitoba elk averaged 75 percent of whole weight, with a range of 67 to 82 percent. Wide variation in this percentage, as reported in the literature, appears to result from seasonal changes in physical condition and stomach fill.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: