THE EFFECT OF FEEDING ON THE METABOLIC-RATE IN HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA-VITULINA)

The heat increment of feeding was estimated in harbour seals (Phoca vi tulina). Seals were given different amounts of herring, ranging from 0 .8 to 2.65 kg. The caloric content of the herring ranged from 6575 to 12560 kJ.kg(-1) depending on time of year. Metabolic rate increased wi thin 30 min after feeding, and the magnitude and duration of heat incr ement of feeding depended on the size of the meal and the caloric cont ent of the herring. Measured heat increment of feeding was up to 14.9% of gross energy intake and metabolic rate increased as much as 46% ab ove resting, postabsorptive metabolic rate for 15 h duration in a harb our seal with a body weight of approximately 40 kg.