Impact of Winter Stress on Mallard Body Composition

Abstract
Adult mallards [Anas platyrhynchos] wintering on the southern high plains of Texas [USA] lost weight and lipid reserves during and after periods of cold, stressful weather between Dec. and Feb. Cold fronts and snowfall in Nov., when feeding conditions were best, did not affect gains in lipid and body weights. Protein levels were unaffected at all times. Survival potentials were estimated to be more or less equal among adult males and females and juvenile drakes at 0.degree. C, -10.degree. C and -20.degree. C. Juvenile hens had the lowest survival potentials at the 3 temperatures.

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