Application of molecular fluorescence spectroscopy for the elucidation of diet composition for free-ranging herbivores

TitleApplication of molecular fluorescence spectroscopy for the elucidation of diet composition for free-ranging herbivores
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsRayson G.D., Danielson T.L., Anderson D.M., Estell RE, Fredrickson E.L., Havstad K
Conference NameProceedings of the 221st National Meeting, American Chemical Society
Volume41
Number of Volumes1
Pagination785-790
Date PublishedApril 1, 2001
ARIS Log Number131018
Keywordsdiet composition, fluorescence measurements, free-ranging herbivores, multidimensional
AbstractThis research focuses on the use of multidimensional fluorescence measurements for rapid, objective identification of those plants eaten by specific animals. It enables the collection of multidimensional response surfaces to define the species-specific signatures. Initial work has concentrated on the generation of a spectral database for tobosa hay, mesa dropseed, spectacle pod, pale globemallow, tarbush and four-wing salt bush Normalized average spectra of chloroform extracts from triplicate samples of at least five different plants yielded significant spectral signatures in the wavelength region of 400-600 nm. The spectra suggest distinguishing different species using their respective spectral fluorescence signatures would be relatively simple. One approach to generation of identifying criteria has been deconvolution of the measured spectral envelope into separate components. This approach provides spectroscopically relevant parameters for applying pattern recognition and regression analysis algorithms to identification of plant species in complex mixtures. This technique can lead the way to a rapid, accurate and precise method to investigate the dietary habits of rangeland animals.
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