1983/07/01 by Marylou Cheal, MaryLou Cheal · 2 citations
Environmental Science · Psychology · #Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies #Animal science #Biology #Demography #Ecology #Endocrinology #Fecundity #Gestation #Gestation period #Litter #Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior #Ontogeny #Physiology #Population #Pregnancy #Reproduction #Weaning #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · doi:10.1258/002367783781070713
openalex publication_date 1983/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
An analysis was made of demographic data collected from a colony of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The data on births of over 3800 gerbils provide evidence on several aspects of development and fecundity. Approximately 4% more females than males survived to weaning. Mean number of pups per dam per year was estimated to be 48.3, greater reproductive success than reported previously. The shortest period of gestation resulting in viable pups was 25 days. Implantation was delayed by the presence of suckling pups. When gestation was prolonged, there was a direct relationship between the number of pups being suckled concurrently and the length of the delay. Length of gestation did not affect the size of the subsequent litter. Female gerbils gave birth as early as 72 days of age. Gerbils continued to reproduce until after 2 years of age in some cases. There were fewer pups per litter born to older females, fewer pups per litter with increasing parity, and longer intervals between litters with increasing age.