Effect of size and sex ratio of litter on the sexual maturation of female mice

in Reproduction
Author:
L. C. Drickamer
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Summary.

The relationships between the size and sex composition of the litter and puberty in female mice were investigated. Both factors significantly affected the age of first vaginal oestrus; litter size accounted for 22% of the total variation in age at puberty, and litter sex composition for 8 %. When no males or only one male was present in litters of 10 young the females matured significantly earlier than when two or more males were present.

 

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