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Congenital short tail in Macaca mulatta
Bárbara Cristina da Silva Meireles1, Beatriz Goldschmidt1, Carlos Alberto Soares1
1Department of Primatology, Institute of Science and Technology in Biomodels, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Journal of Medical Primatology
|February 18, 2021
Summary
A study on rhesus monkeys revealed that tail shortening is likely inherited in a dominant autosomal pattern. This genetic trait affects the number of tail bones in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Primate genetics
- Developmental biology
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Understanding genetic disorders in captive primate populations is crucial for breeding programs.
- Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkeys) are important models in biomedical research.
Observation:
- A captive rhesus monkey family group of 39 animals exhibited a high incidence of tail shortening.
- Nineteen individuals within the group were born with significantly shortened tails.
Findings:
- Clinical, genealogical, radiographic, and cytogenetic evaluations were performed.
- The tail shortening was linked to a probable dominant autosomal inheritance pattern.
- The genetic trait appears to reduce the number of distal caudal vertebrae.
Implications:
- This finding provides insight into the genetic basis of morphological variations in rhesus monkeys.
- It may inform future breeding strategies to manage or select for this trait.
- Further research could explore the specific gene responsible for this condition.
