The bite diameter selection by moose in relation to twig quality on four phenotypes of Scots pine was studied on the basis of a field cafeteria experiment. Comparison of twig quality was made among: 1) phenotypes, 2) different twig diameters, and 3) mean moose bite diameters. Chemical and morphological analyses of the trees indicated that twig fibre and tree/shoot size strongly affected moose bite diameter choice. Sight and chewing sensation are suggested to be the main browsing strategies used by moose. Moose adjusted the bite diameter among phenotypes on the criterion of similar food quality. The factors involved may play a multiple role in affecting moose foraging. Quantitative features of trees had no significant effects on moose bite diameter selection.
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1 March 1995
Moose Alces alces bite diameter selection in relation to twig quality on four phenotypes of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
Jingbo Jia,
Pekka Niemelä,
Kjell Danell
Wildlife Biology
Vol. 1 • No. 1
1995
Vol. 1 • No. 1
1995
Alces alces
bite diameter
feeding selection
moose
Pinus sylvestris
Scots pine
twig quality