Defining predictive factors for reproductive output in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) demonstrate variations in reproductive output, not only in terms of total reproductive output during a lifetime but also in litter size per parturition. The present study explores factors, such as parents’ litter size, parturition number, maternal body weight at conception and maternal age, which may account for this variation. A retrospective analysis of clinical records of a captive breeding colony was conducted over a 9‐year period yielding reproductive summaries of 26 dams and 22 sires producing a total of 115 litters. Dams born from litters of ≤2 (N = 20) more often produced litters of ≤2, whereas dams born from litters of >2 (N = 6) more often produced litters of >2 (p < 0.05). The dams’ maternal body weight at the time of conception had also a significant effect on subsequent litter size. In addition, the chance of triplets was higher after the second parturition. Maternal age, interbirth interval, and season of birth had no effect on litter size. Factors relating to the sire had a negligible effect on the size of the litter. Multivariate statistical modeling revealed that the dams’ original litter size, maternal bodyweight at conception and parturition number are determining factors for the number of babies per litter. This study identified factors determining marmoset litter size, some of which (maternal litter size) are novel to this study and were not reported previously. Further exploration of the potential role of maternal litter size as a determinant of the litter sizes produced by marmoset breeders is warranted.

Retrospective Analysis of the Effectiveness and Reversibility of Long-Acting Contraception Etonogestrel (Implanon®) in Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

“…Later, new breeding lines were introduced on several occasions to maintain the outbred characteristic of the colony. The colony continuously included around 15 breeding groups comprising a total of approximately 150 marmosets, ranging from infants to adults older than 12 years [ 15 ].…”

Ethical and Welfare Implications of Genetically Altered Non-Human Primates for Biomedical Research

“…NHP species have long, slow life histories, small litters and much slower reproduction rates than mice (Table 2). They are expensive to purchase, transport and maintain in the laboratory, especially in environments Table 2 Life history variables for macaques, marmosets and mice (Ash & Buchanan-Smith, 2014;Bakker et al, 2018;Gagliardi et al, 2007;Jennings & Prescott, 2009; that meet their complex behavioral, social, physiological and psychological needs. Staff members working with NHPs require specialist training (perhaps more so in the case of GA NHPs), and a high degree of PPE is necessary in some cases for health and safety.…”

Reproductive physiology with emphasis on endometrial cycles of woolly and uakari monkeys—A literature review

“…Regarding Neotropical nonhuman primates, research has traditionally been based only on systematic observations of social and reproductive behavior, which limits the acquisition of information related to morphophysiological aspects (Andrabi & Maxwell, 2007; Pukazhenthi & Wildt, 2004). Although studies on endocrinology and reproductive cycles are available, they are specifically focused on species raised in animal facilities and used as experimental models (Bakker et al, 2018; Fernandez‐Duque, 2012; Lima et al, 2019). However, the maintenance of wild species in captivity can produce important reproductive variations due to multiple factors, such as stress, availability of resources, territories, and the composition of social groups (Mayor et al, 2017).…”