Ecology of the euro, Macropus Robustus (Gould), in North Western Australia - III. Seasonal changes in nutrition

Abstract

A relationship has been demonstrated between the levels of some constituents of the blood of euros and the levels of protein in the vegetation which they graze. Haemoglobin level was the best index of nutritional status of the euros. Seasonal changes in the protein content of the food could be related to rainfall and were reflected in the nutritional status of the euro population. In one study area the vegetation consisted largely of Triodia pungens of low protein content; another area carried a mixed vegetation of plants of high and low protein content. The mean values of constituents of the blood of euros grazing on mixed vegetation were always higher. A theory of population control based on nutrition is suggested.