The measurement of metabolic rates is central to important questions in many areas of physiological research. Unfortunately these measurements are anything but straightforward, with numerous pitfalls awaiting both the novice and even the experienced investigator. The original edition of Measuring Metabolic Rates, published in 2008, quickly became the principle "how to" manual for the field. It successfully de-mystified the topic, explaining every common variation of metabolic rate measurement. Background information on different analyzer and equipment types allowed users to choose the best instruments for their application. Respirometry equations, normally a topic of terror and confusion to researchers, were derived and described in sufficient detail to facilitate their selection and use. In this new edition, the content has been thoroughly updated and a decade of new literature incorporated. New chapters on room calorimetry, human metabolic measurement, and metabolic phenotyping have also been added.
1: Measuring the fire of life: A brief history of metabolic measurement
2: Constant volume and constant pressure respirometry
3: Coulometric respirometry
4: Constant volume techniques using gas analysis
5: Aquatic oxygen analysis
6: Direct calorimetry
7: Measuring field metabolic rates
8: Flow-through respirometry: The basics
9: Flow-through respirometry: The equations
10: Flow-through respirometry: Incurrent flow measurement
11: Flow-through respirometry: Excurrent flow measurement
12: Room calorimetry and mask respirometry
13: Metabolic phenotyping
14: Validating flow-through respirometry
15: Data analysis and presentation
16: The varieties of gas analyzers
17: The varieties of flow meters
18: The varieties of activity detectors
19: The varieties of scrubbers, tubing, and tubing connectors
20: Acquiring useful tools and skills
"What can one say about a book written by an individual who has unrelentingly pursued a passion for most of a five-decade-long career other than 'make sure you read it'? This book worked for me because it had a clear purpose. Each individual topic has mostly been published, but the finesse of their compilation into a coherent statement renders this book deserving of being read cover to cover. "
– African Journal of Range & Forage Science