Fig. 3. Hemoprotein concentrations and iron stores declined in post-partum females but not skip-breeders.

Mean ± SE (a) blood hemoglobin concentrations, (b) longissimus dorsi myoglobin concentrations, and c calculated total circulating and muscle iron stores significantly declined in post-partum female Weddell seals but not in skip-breeders. Statistical significance was detected using Linear Mixed-Effect models and post-hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction; Different letters = significant difference between reproductive classes. Photo credit: Michelle Shero.