Hello everyone:
I am interested in applying an empirical, allometric equation to bird biomass data to obtain field metabolic rates (FMR, in kJ/day) for a number of species. I have found different equations for this end, like those in Nagy et al. (1999, Annu. Rev. Nutr., 19:247-77) and Nagy (2005, J. Exp. Biol., 208: 1621-1625). Since some of my species are non-passerine birds, I am thinking about using a different equation for them.
Calder (2001, Encyclopedia of Life Sciences) presents an equation for computing FMR in non-passerine birds. However, this model gives very different results than the ones for passerine birds, or even for all the birds. This could be right, of course, but I prefer to ask for some advice. Moreover, Calder cites Nagy (1987), but I haven't found that model for non-passerine birds in the paper by Nagy et al.
(1) Do you know of any empirical, allometric equation I could use to compute FMR in non-passerine birds?
(2) On the other hand, the models for computing FMR in passerine birds and in all the birds combined are actually very similar. Do you think I could use only one model?
Giving thanks in advance:
Jose.
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