Abstract: | O2 and CO2 concentrations were measured in burrows of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, W.) simultaneously with body temperature. In sealed burrows of euthermic golden hamsters daily mean concentrations of 15.1 +/- 1.2% O2 and 5.7 +/- 1.2% CO2 were measured, the extreme values amounting to 10.0% O2 and 10.8% CO2. The gas composition showed a daily rhythm. During hibernation, the gas composition of the burrow changed significantly to 20.0 +/- 0.5% O2 and 1.8 +/- 0.8% CO2. |