ISSN:
1432-136X
Keywords:
Key words Biomechanics
;
Swimming
;
Energetics
;
Mammals
;
Mustelids
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We used a still-water swim channel in conjunction with open-flow oxygen and carbon dioxide respirometry to examine the energy requirements of river-otters (Lutra lutra L.) swimming voluntarily underwater in Neumünster Zoo (Germany). While at rest on land (5 °C), river-otters had a respiratory quotient of 0.77 and a resting metabolic rate of 4.1 W kg−1. This increased to an estimated 6.4 W kg−1 during rest in water (11–15 °C) and to 12.3 W kg−1 when the animals were feeding in the channel. River-otters swimming under water preferred a mean speed of 0.89 m s−1, and their energy requirements attained 11.6 W kg−1. Cost of transport, however, was minimal at 1.3 m s−1 and amounted to 0.95 J N−1 m−1.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003600050130
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