RELATIONSHIP OF DIETARY BROWSE TO INTAKE IN CAPTIVE MUSKOXEN

The effect of dietary browse (Salix bebbiana Sarg,) on intake and acti vity of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus Zimmermann) pastured in south-centr al Alaska was compared to animals on grass pasture only, In previous w ork, intake increased in penned animals fed increasing browse: hay rat ions, which presumably allowed for increased weight gain and wool fibe r (qiviut) growth, Eight mature steers were divided into 2 treatments: 8 hours daily ad libitum access to browse plus pasture grass (Bromus inermis Leyss., Poa pratensis L. mix) or pasture grass only, Animals w ere placed in adaptation enclosures 10 days before each trial, Bundles of browse were tied to perimeter fences. Trials were conducted 3 time s during the 1992 growing season, For the trials, 2 animals of like tr eatment were placed in each of four 0.33 ha trial enclosures for 8 hou rs, every other day, for 6 days (3 trial days), Activity budgets were calculated using scan sampling, Hand-harvested simulated bites were we ighed to determine bite size, and bite rate was calculated using focal sampling techniques, Intake was calculated as a function of bite size , bite rate, and time spent foraging. Intake was greater (P = 0.064) f or animals with access to browse. Digestive physiology of mukoxen may have favored higher intake of a mixed grass-browse diet over grass alo ne, Previous data suggest that elevated intake increases weight gain a nd qiviut growth.