The Energy Budget of the House Martin (<i>Delichon urbica</i>)

Bryant, David M.; Westerterp, Klaas R.

doi:10.5253/arde.v68.p91

Cited by 48 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…There are also marked seasonal changes in the activity patterns of many warm-blooded animals, ranging from the hibernation of species such as the Black Bear to the lengthy migrations of many birds, but it is less clear how far intrinsic body rhythms are involved. Temperature again seems a factor in these changes, and the availability of food may be another determinant; for instance, determinations of energy expenditure by doubly labelled water show that house martins are more active in summer, when the temperature is not only higher, but insects are more abundant (Bryant and Westerterp 1980).…”

Section: Comparative Physiologymentioning

confidence: 98%

Seasonal variations in physical activity and implications for human health

2009

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This review explores the implications of seasonal changes in physical activity for fitness and human health. Photosensitivity and nutrient shortages mediate animal hibernation via the hypothalamus and changes in leptin and ghrelin concentrations. Opportunities for hunting and crop cultivation determine seasonal activity in under-developed human societies, but in developed societies temperature and rainfall are dominant influences, usually over-riding innate rhythms. Both questionnaire data and objective measurements show that many groups from children to the elderly increase their physical activity from winter to spring or summer. Measurements of maximal oxygen intake and muscle strength commonly show parallel seasonal changes. However, potential effects upon body mass and body fat may be counteracted by changes of food intake; subsistence agriculturists sometimes maintain or increase physical activity at the expense of a decrease in body mass. In developed societies, body fat commonly increases during the winter, with parallel changes in blood lipids, blood pressure and blood coagulability; moreover, these changes are not always fully reversed the following summer. Most developed societies show increased all-cause and cardiac mortalities in the winter. Health consequences of seasonal variations in physical activity including an increased vulnerability to cardiac catastrophe and a year-by-year increase in total body fat seem most likely if the average level of physical activity for the year is low. Public health recommendations should underline the importance of maintaining physical activity during adverse environmental conditions by adapting clothing, modifying behaviour and exploiting any available air-conditioned indoor facilities.

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Section: Comparative Physiologymentioning

confidence: 98%

Seasonal variations in physical activity and implications for human health

2009

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“…(Drent and Daan, 1980) indicated that what they called 'maximum sustained working level' of parent birds tending nestlings usually approached values close to 4 times basal metabolic rate, a level also achieved by humans doing heavy labour such as lumberjacks (Brody, 1945). Their bird data referred to longeared owls Asio otis (Wijnandts, 1984), house martins Delichon urbica (Bryant and Westerterp, 1980), starlings Sturnus vulgaris, glaucous gulls Larus glaucescens and turtle doves Streptopelia risoria (Brisbin, 1969). Cartoon reproduced with permission.…”

Section: What Do Metabolic Ceilings Represent?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Why marathon migrants get away with high metabolic ceilings: towards an ecology of physiological restraint

Piersma¹

2011

Journal of Experimental Biology

101

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SummaryAnimals usually are not willing to perform at levels, or for lengths of time, of which they should be maximally capable. In stating this, exercise performance and inferred capacity are gauged with respect to body size and the duration of particular levels of energy expenditure. In such relative terms, the long-term metabolic ceiling of ca. 7 times basal metabolic rate in challenged but energy-balanced individuals may be real and general, because greater performance over long periods requires larger metabolic machinery that is ever more expensive to maintain. Avian marathon migrants relying on stored fuel (and therefore not in energy balance) that work for 9 consecutive days at levels of 9-10 times basal metabolic rate are exceptional performers in terms of the 'relative expenditure' on 'duration of a particular activity' curve nevertheless. Here I argue that metabolic ceilings in all situations (energy balanced or not) have their origin in the fitness costs of high performance levels due to subsequently reduced survival, which then precludes the possibility of future reproduction. The limits to performance should therefore be studied relative to ecological context (which includes aspects such as pathogen pressure and risk of overheating), which determines the severity of the survival punishment of over-exertion. I conclude that many dimensions of ecology have determined at which performance levels (accounting for time) individual animals, including human athletes, begin to show physiological restraint. Using modern molecular techniques to assay wear and tear, in combination with manipulated work levels in different ecological contexts, might enable experimental verification of these ideas.

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“…Metabolizable energy intake (energy digested as % of energy intake) in passerines. 1, Blem (1978); 2, Bryant & Westerterp (1980);3, Diehl (1971);4, Gibb (1957); 5, Kale (1965) cf. Westerterp (1973);6, Mertens (1977);7, Turner (1982);8, Westerterp (1973 consumed approximately 4 g dry matter per day during the laying period (Graveland, own observations).…”

Section: Food Intake Of Females and Nestlingsmentioning

confidence: 99%