Energy Content of Seeds of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the Diet of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) in Southeastern New Mexico

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a common forage plant that grows over much of the United States. It has drawn interest as possible feedstock for biofuels, used livestock, planted soil conservation, and component diet some species wildlife. We analyzed energy content seeds switchgrass obtained from crops mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) collected plains-mesa sand-scrub in Lea Eddy counties, New Mexico. Seeds were removed dried 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture standardize masses. then gross caloric value (i.e., content) an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Energy Mexico averaged 18.4 J/kg (4.4 kcal/g—standard deviation, 0.7 [0.2 kcal/g]) was lower than most other food items previously reported doves.