Estimating Percentage Dry Weight in Diets Using a Microscopic Technique

Sparks, Donnie R.; Malechek, John C.

doi:10.2307/3895829

Cited by 533 publications

(335 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Assuming that the systematic bias of the faecal analysis is smaller, we calculated the correlation between the two methods to study the bias in the backtracking method. To determine the difference between two periods in the wet season and between the faecal analysis and the backtracking results, a chi-square analysis was also carried out, followed by an analysis of the residual values (Siegel and Castellan 1988). The differences between the preferred and rejected species were assessed using Mann-Whitney U tests (when the data were not normally distributed) or independent sample t tests (when data followed a normal distribution; Zar 1984) in SPSS.…”

Section: Statistical Analysesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of faecal analysis with backtracking to determine the diet composition and species preference of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor)

et al. 2009

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The diet of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) was studied using backtracking and faecal analysis in South Africa. Both methods yielded different results, with a large bias for dominant species. Results of backtracking showed that the rhinos browsed on 80 plant species. Grasses comprised 4.5% of the diet in the faecal analysis, but were not recorded during the backtracking. The backtracking method, along with a measure of forage availability, was used to identify two groups of plant species, those species taken in a higher proportion than available in the field and those taken in a lower proportion. Chemical analyses showed that these two species groups were similar in in vitro digestibility, macro-elements and fibre constituents. Mean bite size and species contribution to the diet were not correlated with any of the forage quality parameters, indicating that rhinos were not maximising nutrient intake or minimising fibre intake of these consumed plant species.

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Section: Statistical Analysesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of faecal analysis with backtracking to determine the diet composition and species preference of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor)

et al. 2009

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“…Diet composition was determined by analyzing plant fragments (Sparkes & Malechek, 1968) according to Hansen et al (1976). The microhistological technique has inherent limits, such as an inability to separate some species, and a limited percent of identifiable fragments in the slides (Johnson et al, 1983;Barker, 1986 Occurrence data were collected during each clipping episode and again in early August.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Peary caribou, muskoxen and Banks Island forage: Assessing seasonal diet similarities

Larter¹,

Nagy²

1997

Ran

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Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen {Ovibos moschatus) on Banks Island had considerable similarity in their annual diets, with monthly similarities ranging from 17.8-73.3%. Diet similarity was more pronounced in areas of high muskox density {ca. 1.65/km 2 ) than in areas of low muskox density {ca. 0.4/km 2 ). Willow (Salix arctka) and sedge (Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum spp.) represented >80% of the monthly diet of muskoxen. The caribou diet was more diverse, and was dominated by sedge, willow, Dryas integrifolia, and Oxytropis maydelliana, Lichen use was rare, likely as a consequence of low availability on Banks Island. Lichen standing crop was estimated at 2.96 g/m 2 . The differences in muskox diet between high and low density areas could not be explained by differences in forage distribution or standing crop. We discuss diet similarities of caribou and muskoxen and potential consequences for the current Peary caribou population in relation to winter weather conditions and increasing muskox density.

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“…We analyzed 1-2 faecal pellets from each group using microhistological analysis of plant fragments recovered from faeces. Those plant fragments were identified to species level (100 views) and corrected for differential digestibility of forages (Sparks & Malechek 1968, McInnis et al 1983). We separated elk sedge from other species of sedges because of differences in morphology and palatability (see Table 1; Miller et al 1981, Johnson 1998 …”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat Interference by Axis Deer on White‐Tailed Deer

Faas

Weckerly

2010

J Wildl Manag

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: Many studies of interactions between exotic and native ungulates have not had temporal and spatial controls nor have they considered the types of competitive interactions that would allow coexistence. For exotic axis deer (Axis axis) and native white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to coexist one species should be superior at interference competition and the other species should be superior at exploitative competition. We generated and tested predictions, based on body size and diet breadth, about habitat selection by white‐tailed deer in the presence and absence of axis deer, dominance relationships, and time at sites provisioned with high quality forage. We conducted our study in treatment (axis and white‐tailed deer) and control (white‐tailed deer only) areas when both species were present and after axis deer were removed. We conducted vehicle surveys to determine habitat use of both species. At provisioned feeding sites we recorded aggressive behaviors and amount of time species spent at feeding sites alone and together. In the treatment area white‐tailed deer selection for wooded habitat increased 2.1 times after axis deer were removed, whereas habitat selection by white‐tailed deer was constant in the control area over the same time. At feeding sites axis deer were dominant to white‐tailed deer; both species spent a significantly greater amount of time alone than at feeders together, but amount of time that individuals of each species spent at feeders did not differ. Axis deer were superior at interference competition, but white‐tailed deer were not superior at exploitative competition; thus, species coexistence is unlikely. Whether white‐tailed deer are negatively impacted by axis deer at spatial scales larger than our experiment probably depends on abundance of axis deer at larger spatial scales. Experiments of species interactions with temporal and spatial controls that consider types of competitive interactions increase a manager's understanding of when and how native ungulates may be negatively impacted by exotic ungulates.

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Estimating Percentage Dry Weight in Diets Using a Microscopic Technique

Cited by 533 publications

References 10 publications

A comparison of faecal analysis with backtracking to determine the diet composition and species preference of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor)

A comparison of faecal analysis with backtracking to determine the diet composition and species preference of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor)

Peary caribou, muskoxen and Banks Island forage: Assessing seasonal diet similarities

Habitat Interference by Axis Deer on White‐Tailed Deer

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