CHANGES IN THE INTESTINAL FLORA OF GROUND SQUIRRELS DURING PERIODS OF HIBERNATION

摘要

Counts were made of the coliform bacilli and psychrophilic organisms in the intestinal contents of arctic ground squirrels while the animals were in the active state and again following periods of hibernation. In addition, total viable aerobic cell counts were obtained. Data are presented which indicate that there was a significant increase in the number of psychrophiles and a simultaneous decrease in the number of coliform bacilli during hibernation. No changes were found in the total cell counts which could be associated with hibernation.