Abstract:

Objective To learn feeding rate of Microtus fortis calamorum to carex alone and to enrich the ecological knowledge of M. fortis. Methods Fifteen female and male adult individuals with similar weight and health and without injury or pregnancy, were raised separately in plastic cages measured 37 cm×27 cm×17 cm. The subjects were allowed to feed on carex ad libitum for 7 d, then their weight, intake rate, and metabolic rate were measured and analyzed. Results The average weight of adult female voles decreased from(84.23±15.29) g to(48.03±6.47) g, while the average weight adult male voles increased from(58.48±3.22) g to(68.70±10.95) g after 7 d. The feeding rate and metabolic rate of adult males were(0.06±0.04)%, lower than feeding rate(0.08±0.05)% and metabolic rate(0.09±0.05)% in adult females. However, the differences were insignificant(P>0.05) although both numerical values of the females were higher than those of the males. Conclusion It implies that carex alone cannot meet the nutritional needs of adult M. fortis, and the requirement of nutrition of the adult females is higher than that of the males.

Key words: Microtus fortis, Gender, Intake rate, Metabolic rates, Carex

摘要：

目的 研究东方田鼠长江亚种对单一苔草的取食量，丰富其生态知识。方法 选取体重近似且健康、无伤、未孕的成年雌雄东方田鼠各15只，单独饲养于塑料饲养笼中，喂食7 d新鲜苔草后称量其体重，计算取食率及代谢率并进行分析。结果 饲喂苔草7 d后东方田鼠成年雌鼠和雄鼠的体重变化明显，成年雌鼠从平均初始体重（84.23±15.29）g降至（48.03±6.47）g，而成年雄鼠从平均初始体重（58.48±3.22）g增加至（68.70±10.95）g；成年雄鼠的取食率和代谢率均为（0.06±0.04）%，低于成年雌鼠的取食率（0.08±0.05）%和代谢率（0.09±0.05）%，但差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 单一苔草无法满足成年东方田鼠的营养需求，成年雌鼠的营养需求较高。

关键词: 东方田鼠, 性别, 取食率, 代谢率, 苔草