Factors influencing reproduction in captive-bred cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from Mauritius

What is it about?

The introduced population of cynomolgus monkey from Mauritius, apart from a reduced genetic variation due to small founder effect, has the added advantage of being naturally free from some specific pathogens that could confound biomedical studies. These advantages have thus greatly contributed to its wide use as an animal model in research. Despite the extensive use of this species in reproductive research, there is no pertinent documentation about their reproductive factors. The aim of this study was to analyze birth data from 789 females, over an eight-year period, from Bioculture (Mauritius), a commercial breeding center. Both infant and maternal factors were studied. The incidence of non-viable pregnancies as well as neonatal loss was quite low and both even decreased with advancing maternal age. This improved outcome in neonatal loss most likely originates from the center’s practice of keeping potential female breeders in their natal groups, thereby allowing them to acquire maternal skills from older females. Birth weight was lower for first born infants compared to that of subsequent higher birth order. Also female infants had a lower birth weight compared to males. Infant low birth weight was associated with an increased risk of neonatal loss. There was a positive relationship between low birth weight of the infant and placental retention in the mother.

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Why is it important?

The findings from this study are relevant for both reproductive biologists and more importantly for breeding center managers, providing them useful tools to improve the reproductive health of cynomolgus monkeys.