[A reproductive study of Weiser-Maples guinea pigs]

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Mammalian Genetics

Context:

• The Weiser-Maples (WE) guinea pig strain, established in 1977, is utilized for skin melanization research.
• This study details the reproductive performance and growth parameters of a WE guinea pig colony.
• Data spans from May 1978 to December 1983, encompassing 1271 pups from 417 litters.

Purpose:

• To document and analyze the reproductive characteristics of the Weiser-Maples (WE) guinea pig strain.
• To provide baseline data on litter size, stillborn rates, gestation length, and growth for WE guinea pigs.
• To establish reference values for WE guinea pig breeding programs and research applications.

Summary:

• The WE guinea pig colony demonstrated a mean litter size of 3.05 pups, a 15.2% stillborn rate, and a 93.5% weaning rate.
• Reproductive parameters include a mean estrous cycle length of 17 days and a mean gestation period of 67.9 days.
• Gestation length and pup birth weight were inversely related to litter size, with mortality risk highest for pups born at 70 days gestation.

Impact:

• Provides essential data for researchers using WE guinea pigs, particularly in skin melanization studies.
• Establishes normative reproductive and growth data for this specific guinea pig strain.
• Contributes to the understanding of mammalian reproductive variability and its influencing factors.