Sexual segregation results in differences in content and quality of bison (Bos bison) diets

TitleSexual segregation results in differences in content and quality of bison (Bos bison) diets
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsPost, DM, Armbrust, TA, Horne, EA, Goheen, J
JournalJournal of Mammalogy
Volume82
Pagination407 -413
Accession NumberKNZ0015
Keywordsbison, Bos bison, diet composition, diet quality, sexual segregation
Abstract

We examined diets of bison (Bos bison) bulls, cows, juveniles, and calves to determine differences in quality of diets between groups. Our results showed that bulls had a significantly higher proportion of C4 grasses in their diet than cows, juveniles, or calves. Diets of calves were of higher quality than diets of bulls, cows, or juveniles. Our results provide support for the sexual dimorphism–body size hypothesis of sexual segregation in large ungulates.

DOI10.1644/1545-1542(2001)082<0407:SSRIDI>2.0.CO;2