Influence of pelage insulation and ambient temperature on energy intake and growth of juvenile Siberian hamsters

Both growth and thermoregulation are energetically costly, and many studies implicate an energetic tradeoff between them. Moreover, fur is known to ameliorate thermoregulatory costs in adult mammals, but its role in maintaining energy balance during growth is unclear. This study tested for an energetic tradeoff between growth and thermoregulation in juvenile Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) and the effect of an insulative pelage on intrinsic growth rate. Hamsters weaned at 18 days of age and left fully furred or deprived of all dorsal fur by shaving at 20 days of age, were housed at 10 °C or 23 °C. Body mass, length, and food consumption were measured until hamsters were 35 days old. Thermal challenge, whether by low ambient temperature or shaving, resulted in increased food intake and decreased efficiency at converting food into body mass. Body mass and length were not affected by the thermal challenges. These results suggest that there is no mandatory tradeoff between growth and thermoregulation in this species, particularly when food is in abundant supply. Although fur was not necessary for normal growth to proceed, it ameliorated energetic costs associated with thermoregulation, and may play a role in maintaining energy balance under conditions of limited food availability.

Research highlights
► 1. Neither low Ta nor fur removal affects the somatic growth of juvenile P. sungorus when food is provided ad libitum.
► 2. Low Ta and fur removal both result in increased food intake.
► 3. If food is abundant, there is no mandatory tradeoff between growth and thermoregulation in this species.
► 4. As in adults, fur ameliorates the energetic cost of thermoregulation in juvenile P. sungorus.