Digestibility and retension of food components in caged mountain hares Lepus timidus during the winter

摘要: Adult mountain hares in outdoor cages were studied order to evaluate the consumption and digestibility of natural winter foods. Food, feces urine analysed for nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium sodium, food fiber as well. The metabolism different nutrients are presented this paper. When energy equilibrium was maintained assimilated an average 21.6 g dry matter per kg body weight day (29.5 kg0-75). fraction showed a low ranging from 10 30% between species. At nitrogen usually also achieved; then digested approximately 0.20–0.25. (0.27–0.34 -0.75). apparent low, below 40%. The demand potassium seemed be well covered via food. Phosphorus on other hand absorbed small amounts only, which may sometimes have been insufficient. A negative sodium balance occurred when fed heather or finest twigs birch. Due concentrations could create problems supply sodium.