Some observations on the reproduction, growth and development of mus caroli in captivity

Y. M. Lam

Abstract

Post-natal growth and development of Mus caroli ware studied for litters born in the laboratory. Detailed observations on the growth and morphological development were made and the physical
development of the young was described. Litter size of captive females varied from two to seven, with a mean of 4.3±0.4. Mean birth weights for males and females were 1.02±0.02 g and 0.96±0.02 g respectively. The total birth weight of litters varied between 14.5% and 46.4% of the weight of the dam, with a mean of 30.0+2.6 per cent. Sex ratio in the litters was markedly in favour of males, with a ratio of 2.2:7. The post-natal development of M. caroli can be divided into four phases: neonatal (1-8 days), transitional (9-15 days), socialization (16-21 days) and juvenile (22 days to sexual maturity).

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