2003 Volume 52 Issue 4 Pages 329-334
Reproductive features of newly bred Russian voles (Microtus rossiaemeridionalis) as a laboratory animal were studied. This species is a copulatory ovulator, and most couples copulated 6 to 16 h after pairing. The gestation period varied from 18 to 22 days (mean ± SD: 20.6 ± 0.9, n=72), and the average litter size was 4.6 ± 1.9 (n=125). Compared with the litter size at the first parturition (3.6 ± 1.6, n=72), the litter size in the subsequent parturitions increased to 5.9 ± 1.4 (n=53). The animals exhibited postpartum estrus, and repeated pregnancy accompanied with suckling pups and parturition continuously in the laboratory condition unlike other vole species. In view of their complex stomach and good proliferation, the Russian voles were evaluated as a good laboratory animal, especially as a model animal for ruminant studies.
Bulletin of the Experimental Animals
Proceedings of The Japanese Association of Animal Models for Human Diseases
Proceedings of The Japanese Society of Animal Models for Human Diseases
