Torpor in the carnivorous marsupial Sminthopsis macroura: Effects of food quality and quantity

The effects of ii,od quality (dietary protein content) and Food quantity (a d lib vs food-restriction) on torpor were determined in six stripe-faced du nnarts (Sminthopsis macroura) by measuring metabolic rate (MR) at T-a, of 1 8 degreesC. The aims of the study were to determine whether increased dieta ry protein content delays the commencement of torpor and reduces the durati on of torpor and whether food restriction induces torpor earlier and for a longer period. There was no effect of dietary protein content on torpor, ir respective of whether S. macroura were food-restricted or whether food was available ad lib. Torpor in food-restricted S. macroura occurred earlier, w as deeper and lasted longer. Food-restricted S. macroura lust less weight J uring torpor. Food-restriction also reduced average daily metabolic rate.