Food selection by ruminants

Gordon, J. G.

doi:10.1079/pns19700063

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…This observation of an ungulate scavenging the osseous material of a human is the first of its kind. The general consensus in archaeological science is that osteophagia, the desire to consume bone, is practiced by ungulates primarily to obtain phosphorus in addition to supplementing calcium, sodium, and other minerals that are absent from their vegetarian diet during periods of nutritional stress, particularly in the winter months or without seasonal preference . When this scavenging is caught on camera or through personal observation, researchers describe the ungulate as situating the bone in the mouth both parallel and perpendicular to the tooth rows .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

White‐tailed Deer as a Taphonomic Agent: Photographic Evidence of White‐tailed Deer Gnawing on Human Bone

Meckel

McDaneld

Wescott

2017

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Ungulate gnawing on bone has been reported in the taphonomic and zooarchaeological literature, but there are no known reports of ungulates altering human remains. Herein, we report on the first known photographic evidence of deer gnawing human remains. As described in nonhuman scavenging literature, forking of the bone characterizes the taphonomic effect of deer gnawing in this case, which is distinct from the effect caused by other scavengers. This type of osteophagia during the winter season is consistent with previously documented behavior of deer gnawing on nonhuman bone, possibly to obtain minerals absent in their diet. In this study, we briefly discuss the distinguishing features of ungulate gnawing, the reasons for this behavior, and possible confusion with other common types of scavenging and modification. This report contributes to taphonomic literature covering the range of animal interactions with human skeletal remains.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

White‐tailed Deer as a Taphonomic Agent: Photographic Evidence of White‐tailed Deer Gnawing on Human Bone

Meckel

McDaneld

Wescott

2017

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Ruminant animals will select for sodium (Gordon 1970), a possible reason for lambs eating along fencelines where weeds and grasses are known to contain more than 0.1% sodium (Iagusch et al 1976b). According to McClymont et ale (1957), Joyce & Rattray (1970, and Hagsten et ale (1975), young growing lambs require more than 1 g sodium per day.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect on growth of early weaning lambs on to pure stands of lucerne

Jagusch

Gumbrell

Mobley³

et al. 1977

New Zealand Journal of Experimental Agriculture

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The growth of lambs weaned at 4 weeks of age on to pure stands of lucerne was compared with that of lambs suckling their dams on similar lucerne and also with suckled lambs on ryegrass-white clover pastures. Growth rate of early-weaned lambs was severely checked immediately after weaning, when levels of sodium (0.060/0), fibre (16°m), and dry matter (13%) were low in lucerne. They also developed an apparent "pica" for soil after weaning, Three percent of early-weaned lambs died of "red gut". No lambs died while suckling, and none died when transferred to weedy lucerne at 11 weeks. Final live weight at drafting at 15 weeks was 28 ± 0.2 kg for the early-weaned group and 32 ± 0.3 kg for the suckled groups. 15

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