BIOENERGETICS OF GOLDEN MICE - THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD QUALITY

Bioenergetics of golden mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli) on diets of Japanes e honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Eastern red cedar (Juniperus vir giniana) were investigated. Both foods had similar caloric content and were low in total phenolic content. Mean crude protein content, howev er was significantly greater in honeysuckle than in juniper. Mice of b oth sexes ingested and assimilated significantly more of the honeysuck le diet than the juniper diet. Individuals on the juniper diet lost si gnificantly more body mass and had lower survivorship than those on th e honeysuckle diet. Results suggest that food quality and dietary dive rsify help to explain the feeding behavior of the golden mouse to read ily accessible food resources.