Energy Metabolism in Oil-Covered Ducks

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Abstract
The metabolic rates of ducks covered with known quantities of oils were measured indirectly by determining total quantities of exhaled carbon dioxide. Metabolic rates increased linearly with decreasing ambient temperatures. Regression analyses of the metabolic rate-temperature plots made it possible to assess the heat conductivities of normal and oiled duck plumages. A dose-response curve could be established for the effects of oiling on the estimated heat conductivity. The lower lethal temperature for oiled and normal ducks could not be determined and was less than -26 C. Mortalities at those temperatures appear to be delayed until fat reserves are used up. The usual reduction in food intake by oiled ducks in conjunction with sharply increased metabolic rates can result in an accelerated starvation. Recovery toward normal metabolic rates after oiling was observed.

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