| Energetics of swimming by the ferret: consequences of forelimb paddling. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 16861018 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) swims by alternate strokes of the forelimbs. This pectoral paddling is rare among semi-aquatic mammals. The energetic implications of swimming by pectoral paddling were examined by kinematic analysis and measurement of oxygen consumption. Ferrets maintained a constant stroke frequency, but increased swimming speed by increasing stroke amplitude. The ratio of swimming velocity to foot stroke velocity was low, indicating a low propulsive efficiency. Metabolic rate increased linearly with increasing speed. The cost of transport decreased with increasing swimming speed to a minimum of 3.59+/-0.28 J N(-1) m(-1) at U=0.44 m s(-1). The minimum cost of transport for the ferret was greater than values for semi-aquatic mammals using hind limb paddling, but lower than the minimum cost of transport for the closely related quadrupedally paddling mink. Differences in energetic performance may be due to the amount of muscle recruited for propulsion and the interrelationship hydrodynamic drag and interference between flow over the body surface and flow induced by propulsive appendages. |
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Authors:
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Frank E Fish; Russell V Baudinette |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Date: 2006-06-21 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology Volume: 150 ISSN: 1531-4332 ISO Abbreviation: Comp. Biochem. Physiol., Part A Mol. Integr. Physiol. Publication Date: 2008 Jun |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2008-06-16 Completed Date: 2008-07-18 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9806096 Medline TA: Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 136-43 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Biology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383, USA. ffish@wcupa.edu |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Energy Metabolism* Ferrets / physiology* Forelimb / physiology* Movement / physiology* Oxygen Consumption Swimming / physiology* Video Recording |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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