Patterns of parturition and mortality in weaned greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck)

The patterns of parturition and mortality were studied in a colony of weaned captive greater cane rats, Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck, from January to December 2000 at the Grasscutter Domestication Centre, Pokoase Research Station, Animal Research Institute, Ghana. The most important finding from the study was that it is practical to wean greater cane rats at 4 weeks of age with proper post-weaning management. Mortality ranged between 0 and 3.9% with an average of 1.4% for animals weaned at 4 weeks. Among the factors contributing to mortality in the weaned greater cane rats may be the number of animals per unit space. The mortality in this study was a marked improvement compared to that of 11% reported elsewhere for animals weaned at 6 weeks. The animals were, however, smaller at weaning compared to those in reports from elsewhere, probably owing to poor lactation by the mothers. Peak parturition occurred in October with captive breeding having no influence on the parturition pattern.