Data From: Percent ash-free dry weight as a robust method to estimate energy density across taxa

Using data obtained from 11 studies diverse in geographic, temporal and taxonomic scope, AFDW, DW as well as percent-protein and percent-lipid were compared as predictors of ED. Linear models were produced on a logarithmic scale, including dummy variables for broad taxonomic groups. AFDW was the superior predictor of ED compared to DW, percent-protein and percent-lipid content.

Model selection revealed that using correction factors (dummy variables) for aquatic animals (AA) and terrestrial invertebrates (TI) produced the best supported model – log10(ED) = 1.07*log10(AFDW) – 0.80 (R2 = 0.978, p<0.00001) – with an intercept adjustment of 0.09 and 0.04 for AA and TI, respectively. All models including AFDW as a predictor had high predictive power (R2>0.97), suggesting that AFDW can be used with high degrees of certainty to predict the ED of taxonomically diverse organisms.

Our AFDW model will allow ED to be measured with minimal cost and time requirements and excludes ash-weight from estimates of digestible mass. Its ease of use will allow for ED to be more readily and accurately determined for diverse taxa across different ecosystems. This data file includes the original values and sources used to create the AFDW model.