Composition and Quality of Elk Summer Diets in Colorado
Baker DL and Hobbs NT. 1982. Composition and Quality of Elk Summer Diets in Colorado. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 46(3):694–703
Tame, trained elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) were used to estimate the botanical composition and nutritional quality of elk diets on alpine and subalpine summer ranges in Rocky Mountain National Park during 1977 and 1978. Grasses were the most frequently chosen food item in all habitats sampled during both summers; shrubs and forbs contributed lesser, equal amounts. Elk diets aveerged approximately 60% digestibility and 13% crude protein during Year 1 and 54% digestibility and 13% crude protein during Year 2. Dietary crude protein and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) declined during July-September 1977 from 16 to 10% and 64 to 50%, respectively. The following year dietary crude protein decreased from 15 to 10% and IVDDM from 57 to 50% during the same time period. Summer ranges appeared to provide abundant energy and protein; however, the data suggest that, depending on weather conditions, the period of high diet quality can be brief.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Baker, D; Hobbs, N
- Units
- ROMO
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), Food, Nutrients