Aw. Illius et Ns. Jessop, MODELING METABOLIC COSTS OF ALLELOCHEMICAL INGESTION BY FORAGING HERBIVORES, Journal of chemical ecology, 21(6), 1995, pp. 693-719
A mathematical model of intermediary metabolism of allelochemicals by
vertebrate herbivores is presented and used to quantify the metabolic
costs of detoxification. Conjugation with glucuronic acid and maintena
nce of acid-base status causes catabolism of amino acid and is shown t
o result in loss of body protein and depletion of glucose. An interact
ion between allelochemical dose and nutrient status is found, and the
ratio of allelochemical to nutrient absorption rate defines the tolera
nce of the animal to absorbable allelochemical concentration in foods.
The interaction is nonlinear and the ecological implications of this
for foraging behavior and diet choice are discussed.