Bioenergetics of Golden Mice: The Importance of Food Quality

Bioenergetics of golden mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli) on diets of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) were investigated. Both foods had similar caloric content and were low in total phenolic content. Mean crude protein content, however, was significantly greater in honeysuckle than in juniper. Mice of both sexes ingested and assimilated significantly more of the honeysuckle diet than the juniper diet. Individuals on the juniper diet lost significantly more body mass and had lower survivorship than those on the honeysuckle diet. Results suggest that food quality and dietary diversity help to explain the feeding behavior of the golden mouse to readily accessible food resources.