Changes in Gastrointestinal Characteristics of an Omnivorous Species, the Raccoon, with Lactation and Season

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Abstract
I investigated changes in the capacity of the alimentary canal in a moderately small, omnivorous mammal, the raccoon (Procyon lotor). Because of their diverse diet, omnivores may not be dependent upon changes in capacity of the alimentary canal to meet increased energy needs, as are strict herbivores and ruminants. I hypothesized that the capacity of the alimentary canal of lactating and nonreproductive female raccoons would not differ significantly. I also hypothesized that capacity would not differ between summer and winter. Raccoons were captured at Land-Between-the-Lakes, Kentucky. The wet and dry masses, length, and volume of the total gastrointestinal tract and individual organs of the alimentary canal were measured. Results showed that capacity can increase in an omnivorous species in the field. Lactating females had significantly greater wet or dry masses of the total gastrointestinal tract, stomach, and colon than did nonreproductive females. The lengths and volumes of the organs of the alimentary canal also were larger, although not to a significant extent, in lactating females. No significant effect of season occurred on total capacity of the alimentary canal or the capacity of any associated organ. My findings support the contention that change in capacity of the alimentary canal is a fundamental physiological response of mammals to sustained periods of increased demand for energy.

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