Seasonal Adaptations of Moose (Alces Alces) Metabolism‪.‬

ABSTRACT: The experiments were conducted on two yearling moose (Alces alces) with rumen fistulas in July and October. Intake of digestible nutrients and energy was two times higher in July than in October when water balance was lower. Total volatile fatty acid concentration in rumen liquid decreased with a proportional change of increased acetate and reduced propionate and butyrate. Coincidentally, the level of volatile fatty acids in blood rose, and glucose and concentration of ketone bodies declined. The data suggest that metabolic adaptations for limiting heat loss in winter include inhibition of aerobic oxidation, enhancement of anaerobic glycolytic pathways of energy supply, and reduction of water exchange. Key words: adaptation, Alces, carbohydrate, energy metabolism, intermediate metabolism, moose, rumen fermentation, water exchange