Seasonal changes in body composition of Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae): An herbivore subterranean rodent

Ctenomys talarum is a subterranean herbivorous rodent whose burrow systems exhibit particular characteristics, distinct from other subterranean environments. We studied seasonal variation in body composition of C. talarum in relation to energetic requirements. Body lipid content seasonally changed i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology Molecular & integrative physiology, 2006-09, Vol.145 (1), p.20-25
Main Authors: del Valle, Juana C., López Mañanes, Alejandra A., Busch, Cristina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Body composition
Body Composition - physiology
Body Temperature - physiology
Body Water - metabolism
Body Weight - physiology
Burrow
Ctenomys talarum
Energy Metabolism - physiology
Energy requirements
Energy reserves
Female
Humans
Lipid Metabolism - physiology
Male
Octodontidae
Proteins - metabolism
Reproduction - physiology
Rodentia - metabolism
Rodentia - physiology
Seasons
Subterranean rodent
Tuco-tuco
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Summary:Ctenomys talarum is a subterranean herbivorous rodent whose burrow systems exhibit particular characteristics, distinct from other subterranean environments. We studied seasonal variation in body composition of C. talarum in relation to energetic requirements. Body lipid content seasonally changed in C. talarum, related to reproductive cycle and thermorregulatory mechanisms. A decrease in protein body content was found only in spring. Ash content of females was lowest when most of them are in post partum estro. Observed variations in water body content could be associated with plant water content and/or metabolic regulation. Our results show the occurrence of seasonal variations in body composition in C. talarum, which could be related to the high cost of reproduction and the subterranean life style of this species.
ISSN:1095-6433
1531-4332
DOI:10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.04.033