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Selective Breeding for Voluntary Wheel-Running Behavior in Mice is not Associated with Reduced Lifetime Reproductive
Natalie N Whitehead1, Nicole E Schwartz1,2, Chenkun Jiang1
1Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
Behavior Genetics
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Artificial selection for high voluntary exercise in mice did not significantly impact lifetime reproductive success (LRS) or lifespan. Long-term running behavior did not reduce reproductive output or longevity in these High Runner (HR) mice.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal behavior
- Genetics
Background:
- Mice selected for high voluntary wheel running (High Runner lines) exhibit increased energy expenditure and altered physiological traits compared to controls.
- Previous studies indicate differences in body mass, aerobic capacity, and behavior between High Runner (HR) and Control (C) mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of long-term artificial selection for high voluntary exercise on lifespan and lifetime reproductive success (LRS) in mice.
- To determine if increased energy expenditure associated with voluntary running impacts reproductive output or longevity.
Main Methods:
- Male-female pairs from 4 replicate High Runner (HR) and 4 Control (C) mouse lines were maintained until death.
- Lifetime reproductive success (LRS), measured as the number of pups weaned, and lifespan were recorded for dams and sires.
- Data were analyzed to compare LRS and lifespan between HR and C lines and to assess correlations between these traits.
Main Results:
- Artificial selection for high voluntary exercise did not significantly alter lifetime reproductive success (LRS) in HR mice compared to C mice (mean LRS: HR 25.8 pups, C 29.1 pups).
- No statistical difference in average lifespan was observed between HR and C mice.
- Individual variation analysis showed no significant negative associations between reproductive traits and lifespan, or between LRS and parental longevity.
Conclusions:
- Long-term selection for high voluntary locomotor behavior does not lead to detectable reductions in reproductive output or lifespan under standard laboratory conditions.
- The study suggests that increased energy expenditure from voluntary exercise does not impose a significant cost on reproduction or longevity in this mouse model.
- Replicate line differences in some traits were likely due to random genetic drift, not the selection for running behavior.
