Protein and caloric content of lodge pole pine needles

Abstract

The level of crude protein and the caloric content of the needles of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) were investigated. Crude protein levels averaged 4.52 per cent of air-dry weight. No significant difference could be demonstrated in protein levels between samples taken,1) in May and November2) at 6,300 and 5,700 feet altitude, and3) from old and young trees growing on the same site.No evidence of changed protein levels was found in samples taken from trees growing on a site burned intensively 20 years previously. Caloric content of lodgepole pine needles averaged 4,973 calories per gram. Caloric values did not differ significantly between trees growing on the same and different sites.