Seasonal Foraging Rates of Free-Ranging Moose

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Abstract
Foraging rates of free-ranging moose (Alces alces) in aspen (Populus spp.) boreal habitats were evaluated in summer, autumn, and winter. Consumption rates (g/min) increased asymptotically with biomass of potential forage, but both maximum rates and slopes varied seasonally. Maximum rates appeared related to forage quality since values declined from 23 g/minute in July to 11 g/minute in January. Slopes reflecting increments of foraging rate/unit increase in biomass seemed related to selectively exercised by moose. The highest values were observed in winter when moose were least selective, the lowest in October when a mixture of green and cured forage offered the greatest opportunities for selective feeding.