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Milk composition of franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 March 2008
Abstract
Milk is the only external energy source for mammals in their early stages of life. Its composition varies during lactation in baleen whales and pinnipeds, while only descriptive studies are available for odontocetes. The aim of this work was to identify the components of the milk of franciscana, Pontoporia blainvillei, from southern Brazil. Samples were manually collected from lactating females (N = 5) incidentally caught in the gill-net fishery. The amount of fat, protein, carbohydrate, mineral and trace metal content, and caloric value of the samples were estimated. Milk of the franciscana dolphin presented mean fat, protein and carbohydrate concentrations similar to those described for other coastal species. A significant increase in fat concentration was observed in winter months, with a higher energy density. Potassium was the mineral found in higher amounts. Zinc, mercury and copper were detected in low concentrations. Due to different habitat conditions along the species distribution, the presence of a highly seasonal reproductive period and inter-population genetic variability, studies on milk composition in other areas is recommended.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 88 , Special Issue 6: Marine Mammals , September 2008 , pp. 1099 - 1101
- Copyright
- Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2008
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