Abstract

Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10094.abs This study presents a first approach to determine a suckling bout criterion interval (BCI) by applying a loge frequency analysis to a dataset of Tursiops truncatus neonate feeding frequencies. The data were gathered by continuous observation on four calves 15–24 hr a day for the first 14 days postpartum. The study was conducted at the dolphinarium of the Kolmården Wild Animal Park, Kolmården, Sweden. Based on a total of 3,752 individual suckling intervals, a BCI of 107.7 sec was established. The relevance of this finding is discussed. Zoo Biol 22:477–488, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.