THE GROSS BODY COMPOSITION OF SIX GEOGRAPHIC RACES OF PEROMYSCUS

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Abstract
The body composition in terms of fat, water, and protein has been determined for 115 deer mice (genus Peromyscus) of six racial stocks. The changes in composition that are characteristic of seasonal extremes and that accompany laboratory acclimation are presented. The composition of the fat-free body exhibits the constancy which has been found in other mammals. Body protein averaged 22.97% and body water 69.71% of the fat-free body weight. Body fat levels are shown to vary considerably among individuals and races. The highest fat levels occurred in the desert-adapted race (P. m. sonoriensis). The importance of considering body composition in comparative studies of metabolic rate is discussed.