Abstract
In this study, we measured the oxygen consumption of 6 resting captive great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and examined seasonal changes in their metabolic rate. The oxygen consumption rate was measured in spring, summer, and winter at the same room temperature of 25°C and at the same level of humidity. Each measurement session lasted for 1 h while animals were resting after acclimation. No significant seasonal differences in the mean weight of the cormorants were observed on the measurement day (ANOVA, p = 0.483). The mean oxygen consumption rate was determined to be 14.96 ml/min·kg in spring, 10.50 ml/min·kg in summer, and 16.93 ml/min·kg in winter. The seasonal difference in oxygen consumption was statistically significant, with the oxygen consumption of great cormorants being 1.6-fold higher in winter than in summer.
