The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2026
The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2025
The doubly labeled water method accurately measures CO2 production in reindeer and caribou during winter. However, it may overestimate carbon dioxide production in rapidly growing or fattening animals during summer.
Area of Science:
Animal physiology
Metabolic research
Ecological energetics
Background:
Accurate measurement of carbon dioxide production (CDP) is crucial for understanding animal metabolism and energy balance.
The doubly labeled water (DLW) method is a non-invasive technique for quantifying energy expenditure in free-living animals.
Previous studies have validated DLW in various species, but its accuracy in large herbivores like caribou and reindeer requires specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
To compare the accuracy of the doubly labeled water (DLW) method against open-circuit respirometry for measuring carbon dioxide production (CDP) in captive caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).
To assess the influence of season and physiological state (growth, fattening) on the agreement between the two methods.
Main Methods:
Carbon dioxide production (CDP) was measured in caribou and reindeer using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method with isotopes 3H2O and H2(18)O.
CDP was compared with carbon dioxide expiration rates (VCO2) determined by open-circuit respirometry, with adjustments for methane and urinary CO2 losses.
Total body water volumes were calculated using both 3H2O and H2(18)O dilution spaces.
Main Results:
In winter, DLW-derived CDP was 1-3% higher than adjusted VCO2 in reindeer, with no statistically significant difference.
In summer, differences between DLW and respirometry ranged from 5-20% in caribou, also not statistically significant.
Total body water volumes calculated from 3H2O dilution were up to 15% higher than those from H2(18)O dilution, potentially due to isotopic exchange or deposition in growing tissues.
Conclusions:
The DLW method is a reasonably accurate approach for measuring carbon dioxide production in caribou and reindeer, particularly during winter when growth rates are minimal.
Seasonal variations and physiological processes like tissue deposition (antlers, fat) in summer may lead to discrepancies, potentially causing the DLW method to overestimate CDP in rapidly growing or fattening animals.
Further research is recommended to refine DLW methodology for dynamic physiological states in large herbivores.