Metabolic rates and heart rate-metabolism relationships in the black duck ( Anas rubripes)

Abstract

1. 1. All ducks exhibited a linear inverse relationship between metabolism and temperature below the lower critical temperature. 2. 2. Heavier male black ducks had a higher heat production on a per bird basis that did females. 3. 3. Heat production of ducks acclimated to 19°C was greater than that of birds acclimated to 5°C. 4. 4. Resting metabolism of ducks equipped with small radio transmitters was 19% higher than that of birds without radios. 5. 5. Significant correlations between heart rate and metabolism existed for most ducks.