Growth and Development of the Golden Mouse, Ochrotomys nuttalli nuttalli

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Abstract
The growth and development of 108 litters of golden mice are described. The breeding season in eastern Tennessee extended from April to October. Litter sizes varied between one and four with an average of 2.65 young per litter for 85 litters. A significant difference was found between spring and fall litter sizes. The shortest gestation period was 25 days. The morphological and behavioral development of young mice was generally similar to that reported by Layne (1960). Average weights and measurements from birth through 12 weeks of age are presented. Various developmental events during the early life of young mice were found to significantly influence daily relative growth rates. A continual slow growth was evidenced by adult golden mice through 56 weeks of age. Spring-born mice were heavier and had smaller measurements than fall-born animals.

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