Seasonal Variation in Catabolic Enzyme Activities in Breast Muscle of Some Migratory Birds

Five bird species were examined in order to ascertain if any changes in flight muscle catabolism take place between breeding season and migration. Two different patterns were discovered. The first consists of a high oxidative capacity and a low glycolytic and anaerobic capacity during migration. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oecologia 1985-07, Vol.66 (4), p.468-471
Main Authors: Lundgren, Björn O., Karl-Heinz Kiessling
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal migration behavior
Aves
Aviculture
Biological and medical sciences
Birds
Breeding
Breeding seasons
Enzyme activity
Flight muscles
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Seasonal migration
Sedges
Striated muscle. Tendons
Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
Warblers
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Summary:Five bird species were examined in order to ascertain if any changes in flight muscle catabolism take place between breeding season and migration. Two different patterns were discovered. The first consists of a high oxidative capacity and a low glycolytic and anaerobic capacity during migration. The converse occurs during the breeding season, i.e. low oxidative, high glycolytic and anaerobic capacity. The pattern was found in those species that deposit large amounts of fat prior to migration. The second pattern was similar to the first, but there was no change in fatty acid oxidation capacity between breeding season and migration. The pattern was found in those species that do not deposit much fat towards migration. These changes are believed to reflect differences in migration strategy and differences in locomotory activity during different seasons. Deviations from these patterns are discussed.
ISSN:0029-8549
1432-1939
DOI:10.1007/BF00379335