Proximate, caloric, Nitrogen and mineral-composition of bodies of some tropical bats
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology
1994
Journal Article
109
3
601-610
bats birds mammals body composition nitrogen sodium potassium calcium magnesium iron mass growth birds Pakitza chemical ecology nutrients animals Madre de Dios Bibliography
Proximate (live mass, water, lipid, ash, non-fat organic), caloric, nitrogen, and mineral (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron) concentrations and total body content of individuals of 24 species of Neotropical and Paleotropical bats were determined. Mass-related, concentration patterns were found for all measured variables, except iron. Concentrations increase with size for nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium but are concave, opening upward, for sodium and potassium. These last two elements reach minimal concentrations in bats weighing about 22 and 28 g dry mass, respectively. Total body content of nitrogen and minerals was compared with amounts in similar-sized birds and tetrapodal mammals.