Effect of population density on reproduction in Microtus fortis under laboratory conditions

Han, Qunhua and Zhang, Meiwen and Guo, Cong and Shen, Guo and Wang, Yong and Li, Bo and Xu, Zhenggang (2014) Effect of population density on reproduction in Microtus fortis under laboratory conditions. Acta Biologica Hungarica, 65 (2). pp. 121-131. ISSN 0236-5383

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Abstract

Between December 2011 and March 2012, the reproductive characteristics of Microtus fortis reared in the laboratory at different population densities were assessed. In all, 258 male and female voles were randomly divided into 4 groups and reared at densities of 2, 4, 6, and 8 animals per cage (sex ratio: 1:1). The results showed that the pregnancy rate (χ² = 21.671, df = 3, P < 0.001) and first farrowing interval (F = 12.355, df = 3, P < 0.001) were significantly different among the different population density groups, but the mean litter size (mean ± SD) was not (F = 2.669, df = 3, P > 0.05). In particular, the reproductive index and sex hormone levels showed a significant difference among the different density groups studied.

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