SEASONAL LEVELS OF BODY FAT, PROTEIN, ASH AND MOISTURE IN THE SACRED IBIS

Abstract

Summary Clark, R. A. 1979. Seasonal levels of body fat, protein, ash and moisture in the Sacred Ibis. Ostrich 50:129-133. Sacred Ibises Threskiornis aethiopicus in Pretoria, Transvaal, were analyzed for body composition throughout the year. Body fat levels in adults and immatures were approximately 7% of feather-free empty body mass in the winter. Just prior to breeding the levels of fat were approximately 12% in adults and 6% in immatures. Lowest levels were recorded for adults and immatures in January (3,5%). In contrast to fat, levels of moisture, protein and ash did not appear to vary significantly between seasons.