A linear programming model of diet choice of free-living beavers

B.A. Nolet, P.J. Van der Meer, E.G.J. Evers, M.M. Ottenheim

    Research output: Contribution to journal/periodicalArticleScientificpeer-review

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    Abstract

    Linear programming has been remarkably successful in predicting the diet choice of generalist herbivores. We used this technique to test the diet choice of free-living beavers (Castor fiber) in the Biesbosch (The Netherlands) under different Foraging goals, i.e. maximization of intake of energy, nitrogen, phosphorus or sodium, or minimization of feeding time. Three food types were distinguished, Le, woody food, herbs and roots of monocots. We assessed forage quality by measuring the dry matter, energy and mineral contents of the food plants as well as food intake rates, digestibility and metabolisability in captive beavers. Actual diet was in accordance with the predicted food choice in the summer when the beavers were minimizing feeding time by mainly eating woody food. However, in the winter and spring, the beavers were predicted to feed upon non-woody food, whereas they (again) nearly exclusively are woody food. The major reasons for this discrepancy might be: (1) the foraging constraints were inappropriate, (2) the foraging goals were inadequately defined, or (3) the beavers were not foraging optimally. We sugg [KEYWORDS: optimal foraging, nutrition, re-introduction, Castor fiber, The Netherlands]
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)315-337
    JournalNetherlands Journal of Zoology
    Volume45
    Issue number3-4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1995

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