Amino acid concentrations in seed of preferred forages of bobwhites.

Abstract

Nutritional factors have been hypothesized to regulate gallinaceous bird populations such as the Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Although protein is considered one of the most important and limiting nutrient categories in wild animal populations, we lack a complete understanding of the availability of essential amino acids in foodstuff protein. Seed grains comprise a major component of the annual diet of bobwhites throughout its geographic range. We investigated the concentration of 17 amino acids in seed of 4 highly preferred forages of bobwhites from central Oklahoma. The total nitrogen content of seed was composed of 28-43% nonamino nitrogen of limited nutritional value. We provide evidence that crude protein may grossly overestimate true protein. Amino acid content of forages in lieu of crude protein may better describe the nutritional ecology of quail and other gallinaceous birds and provide new insights into the role of nutrition in regulating animal populations.