Tongue grooming as a possible mode for the transfer of rumen microorganisms in moose
Edwards J. 1983. Tongue grooming as a possible mode for the transfer of rumen microorganisms in moose. Le Naturaliste Canadien (Rev Ecol Syst). 110:477-479
Observations of moose (alces alces andersoni) on Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, showed that tongue grooming, i.e. the cow licking the tongue or lips of her calf, occurs in the wild at the time when calves begin to eat plants. These findings suggest that tongue grooming is an important mechanism by which moose calves obtain rumen microorganisms.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Edwards, Joan
- Units
- ISRO
- Keywords
- Animal Behavior, Moose (Alces alces), rumen microorganisms