SEASONAL VARIATION IN WEIGHT OF FUNCTIONAL SEGMENTS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND ITS CONTENTS IN YOUNG MOOSE (ALCES ALCES)

Quantitative seasonal variation of bio mass among segments of the gut wall and associated contents of moose has not been previously reported. From a sample of 6- to 13-month old moose collected in southcentral Sweden, gastrointestinal tracts were divided into nine functionally distinct segments. Each segment was measured for live weight and length of the wall, and wet and dry weight of the contents. Dry matter digesta was greater in winter than in summer with all segments except the small intestine. Live weight of the wall and its weight relative to other segments was significantly greater in the rumenoreticulum and abomasum during summer than in winter. Weight variations by season and among segments of the tract are discussed in terms of nutritional strategies and adaptations