Influence of a nutritional parameter on the size differences of the three springbok subspecies

Abstract

Apparent size differences in the three subspecies of the springbok Antldorcas marsupialis were compared in relation to the mean dietary protein values analysed from rumen contents of test animals. Body mass was highly correlated with the winter dietary protein in both sexes. No significant differences were found to exist between the mean body mass values of the two northern subspecies. Significant differences did however exist between the nominate subspecies and the two northern taxa. Similar tendencies were illustrated for most comparisons of subspecific dietary protein values.

Waarneembare verskille in grootte van die drie subspesies van die springbok Antidorcas marsupialis is vergelyk met betrekking tot die gemiddelde  proteVenwaarde in die dieet soos verkry deur analise van die rumeninhoud van eksperimentele diere. Daar was by beide geslagte 'n opvallende korrelasie tussen liggaamsmassa en die winterproteTendieet. Geen betekenisvolle verskille is gevind tussen die gemiddelde liggaammassas van die twee noordelike subspesies nie. Oaar is egter betekenisvolle verskille gevind tussen benoemde subspesies en die twee noordelike taksa. Soortgelyke tendense is ook waargeneem met betrekking tot die meeste ander parameters wat vergelyk is met die protei'n waardes in die dieet van hierdie subsDesies.