Effects of supplemental calcium on the growth rate of an insectivorous bird, the purple martin (Progne subis)
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Published source details
Poulin R.G. & Brigham R.M. (2001) Effects of supplemental calcium on the growth rate of an insectivorous bird, the purple martin (Progne subis). Écoscience, 8, 151-156.
Published source details Poulin R.G. & Brigham R.M. (2001) Effects of supplemental calcium on the growth rate of an insectivorous bird, the purple martin (Progne subis). Écoscience, 8, 151-156.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide calcium supplements to increase survival or reproductive success Action Link |
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Provide calcium supplements to increase survival or reproductive success
A replicated, controlled study in 1997 in 15 experimental nests (containing 72 nestlings) and 14 control nests (containing 65 nestlings) in artificial nestboxes in Oklahoma, USA (Poulin & Brigham 2001) found that purple martin Progne subis nestlings were unaffected by calcium supplementation. Calcium-supplemented nestlings did not grow to a larger size or at a faster rate than control nestlings for any of the growth parameters measured in any brood size (on average 53.9 compared 54.6 g / nestling; 4.2 compared to 4.4 g / day respectively). Additionally wing, leg and tail sizes did not differ between calcium-supplemented and control nestlings (on average 29.4 and 29 mm; 15.9 and 15.9; 22.8 and 22.9 mm respectively). Brood sizes were experimentally manipulated to contain either 4 or 5 nestlings. Nestlings in half of the nests of each brood size were fed a 1 ml dose of liquid calcium with a pipette over 3 weeks. Control nestlings received a water placebo.
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