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Estimating endogenous nutrient allocations to reproduction in Redhead Ducks: a dual isotope approach using δD and δ13C measurements of female and egg tissues

  1. K. A. HOBSON1,2,*,
  2. L. ATWELL2,
  3. L. I. WASSENAAR3,
  4. T. YERKES4

Article first published online: 21 SEP 2004

DOI: 10.1111/j.0269-8463.2004.00890.x

Issue

Functional Ecology

Functional Ecology

Volume 18, Issue 5, pages 737–745, October 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

HOBSON, K. A., ATWELL, L., WASSENAAR, L. I. and YERKES, T. (2004), Estimating endogenous nutrient allocations to reproduction in Redhead Ducks: a dual isotope approach using δD and δ13C measurements of female and egg tissues. Functional Ecology, 18: 737–745. doi: 10.1111/j.0269-8463.2004.00890.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Environment Canada, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Center, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0X4

  2. 2

    Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0W0

  3. 3

    Environment Canada, National Water Research Institute, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 3H5

  4. 4

    Ducks Unlimited, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120–2351, USA

* †Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: Keith.Hobson@ec.gc.ca

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 21 SEP 2004
  2. Article first published online: 21 SEP 2004
  3. Received 26 September 2003; revised 22 March 2004; accepted 31 March 2004

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Keywords:

  • Carbon-13;
  • deuterium;
  • reproductive investment

Summary

  • 1
    Clutch formation represents a considerable energy expense for waterfowl, yet little evidence is available to quantify nutrient allocation from endogenous and exogenous sources. Here we investigated hydrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios (δD and δ13C) in female Redhead Ducks (Aythya americana) and their eggs to evaluate the use of δD as an indicator of nutrient sources to reproduction.
  • 2
    Females arrived with mean muscle tissue δD and δ13C values more positive than those of the local food web, reflecting marine dietary inputs from the wintering grounds. These values changed to the range of local food values by late incubation. δ13C values from albumen and yolk protein were correlated, supporting the presence of a common exogenous carbon source for these egg components.
  • 3
    There was no significant correlation between δD or δ13C values in egg tissues and abdominal fat or muscle from the corresponding laying female. No general population-level trends in isotope values from sequentially developing follicle yolks were found.
  • 4
    Redhead females relied mainly on dietary lipids and proteins for egg production, and therefore endogenous reserves were used to satisfy female body maintenance and energy requirements.
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