Detection of differences in nutrient concentrations by eastern woodrats (Neotoma floridana )

TitleDetection of differences in nutrient concentrations by eastern woodrats (Neotoma floridana )
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1993
AuthorsPost, DM
JournalJournal of Mammalogy
Volume74
Pagination493 -497
Accession NumberKNZ00421
Abstract

I tested the ability of a small generalist herbivore, the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana), to detect differences in concentrations of protein, energy, and lipid available in two nutritionally complex diet items. Within 24 h of exposure to diets, woodrats consumed a greater amount of a standard diet than diets reduced in energy or lipid by 5, 10, or 20% and a diet reduced by 20% in protein. However, they did not choose the standard over diets reduced in protein by 5 or 10%. When consumption was summed over the 9-day duration of choice trials, individuals chose the standard diet over reduced diets. The ability of woodrats to detect relatively small differences in nutrient concentrations should allow them to make efficient use of available foods.

URLhttp://www.jstor.org/stable/1382409
DOI10.2307/1382409