Effect of ration size and meal frequency on assimilation and

0,39
MB digestive efficiency in yearling Steller sea lions, Eumetopias

7
stron jubatus

6610
ID University of British Columbia

2001
rok

Abstract

Assimilation and digestive efficiencies were measured in four juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias

jubatus) fed three ration sizes of herring (3%, 6%, or 9% of body mass) at three frequencies (2, 3,

or 4 times daily). Assimilation efficiency (dry matter digestive efficiency) was 90.0 f 2.0% (mean &

l SD). Digestive efficiency (efficiency of energy digestion) was 95.5 * 1.0%. There was a strong

linear relationship between digestive and assimilation efficiency, but no significant differences in

either assimilation or digestive efficiency with changes in feeding frequency or changes in daily

food intake within the ranges offered.