Charles Darwin University

CDU eSpace
Institutional Repository

 
CDU Staff and Student only
 

Differential mobilization of blubber fatty acids in lactating Weddell seals: evidence for selective use

Wheatley, Kathryn E., Nichols, Peter D., Hindell, Mark A., Harcourt, Robert G. and Bradshaw, Corey J. A. (2008). Differential mobilization of blubber fatty acids in lactating Weddell seals: evidence for selective use. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology,81(5):651-662.

Document type: Journal Article
Citation counts: Scopus Citation Count Cited 22 times in Scopus Article | Citations

Google Scholar Search Google Scholar
Attached Files (Some files may be inaccessible until you login with your CDU eSpace credentials)
Name Description MIMEType Size Downloads
Download this reading Bradshaw_7395.pdf Published version application/pdf 350.69KB 198
Reading the attached file works best in Firefox, Chrome and IE 9 or later.

IRMA ID A00003xPUB48
Title Differential mobilization of blubber fatty acids in lactating Weddell seals: evidence for selective use
Author Wheatley, Kathryn E.
Nichols, Peter D.
Hindell, Mark A.
Harcourt, Robert G.
Bradshaw, Corey J. A.
Journal Name Physiological and Biochemical Zoology
Publication Date 2008
Volume Number 81
Issue Number 5
ISSN 1522-2152   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-52149102485
Start Page 651
End Page 662
Total Pages 12
Place of Publication United States of America
Publisher University of Chicago Press
Field of Research 0608 - Zoology
1116 - Medical Physiology
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract A major source of energy during lactation in mammals is provided through the mobilization of blubber fatty acids (FAs). We investigated the extent to which FAs were mobilized to support both maternal metabolic requirements and milk production in the Weddell seal and how this was reflected in the FA composition of the pup’s blubber at the end of lactation (EL). FA composition of postpartum female blubber was similar in the 2 yr of study (2002 and 2003) but differed markedly by EL. Pup blubber FAs (at EL) were also different between years and did not match that of the mother’s milk or blubber. Milk FA composition changed during lactation, which may have been a reflection of an increase in pup energy demands at different stages of development. In addition, there was evidence of feeding by some females during lactation, with higher levels of some FAs in the milk than in the blubber. Our results indicate that differential mobilization of FAs occurred in lactating Weddell seals and that this was related to total body lipid stores at postpartum. Furthermore, growing pups did not store FAs unmodified, providing evidence that selective use does occur and also that using FA composition to elucidate dietary sources may be problematic in growing individuals.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/590397   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
Additional Notes Copyright by The University of Chicago Press


© copyright

Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that permission has been obtained for items included in CDU eSpace. If you believe that your rights have been infringed by this repository, please contact digitisation@cdu.edu.au.

 
Versions
Version Filter Type
Access Statistics: 207 Abstract Views, 199 File Downloads  -  Detailed Statistics
Created: Fri, 01 May 2009, 11:05:29 CST by Sarena Wegener