The effect of maternal size and milk energy output on pup growth in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)

S. J. Iverson, W. D. Bowen, D. J. Boness, O. T. Oftedal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

184 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In phocid species in which females fast throughout lactation, maternal energy reserves at parturition must support lactation. Thus, differences in body size and energy stores may influence the magnitude of maternal energy transfer. Milk fat and energy content increased dramatically over the first half of lactation. Differences in maternal mass and available energy stores may have substantial consequences for the pup and may account for much of the reported variation in pup growth both within and between populations of phocids such as the grey seal. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-88
Number of pages28
JournalPhysiological Zoology
Volume66
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1993

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Physiology
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Endocrinology
  • Physiology (medical)

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Iverson, S. J., Bowen, W. D., Boness, D. J., & Oftedal, O. T. (1993). The effect of maternal size and milk energy output on pup growth in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Physiological Zoology, 66(1), 61-88. https://doi.org/10.1086/physzool.66.1.30158287