| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1983 |
| Authors: | Beckerton, PR, Middleton, ALA |
| Journal: | The Condor |
| Volume: | 85 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Date Published: | 1983 |
| ISBN Number: | 00105422 |
| Keywords: | Bonasa, Bonasa umbellus, Phasianidae, Philomachus, Philomachus pugnax, Scolopacidae |
| Abstract: | The effects of five dietary protein levels on the body condition of captive female Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) were studied throughout the breeding cycle at Guelph, Ontario. Isocaloric rations containing protein levels (% dry matter) of 7.6, 11.5, 13.6, 17.0 and 20.1 were supplied to five test groups in late February 1979. Before egg-laying, test groups had similar body weight and food consumption (P > 0.05). However, while birds grew heavier, the daily values for nitrogen balance increased linearly as the level of dietary protein (%) increased (P < 0.01). Over the laying period, an increase in dietary protein (%) was associated with greater food consumption and, for a two-day period at least, higher nitrogen balance values (P < 0.01). During egg-laying, test groups receiving higher protein (%) rations generally lost less weight than groups receiving lower protein rations. Nevertheless, after egg-laying, test groups had similar food consumption and began new primary feather growth at about the same date (P > 0.05). A significant positive quadratic trend in body weight, but no significant trend in nitrogen balance, was evident among test groups about four weeks after egg-laying. |
| URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/1367887 |
| Short Title: | The Condor |
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