Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Australian Mammalogy Australian Mammalogy Society
Journal of the Australian Mammal Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Breeding biology of three subspecies of the native Australian rat, Rattus fuscipes, in the laboratory.

J. M. Taylor and B. E. Horner

Australian Mammalogy 1(1) 8 - 13
Published: 1975

Abstract

Three subspecies of Rattus fuscipes are compared in terms of certain aspects of their breeding biology in the laboratory. The three forms, R. f. fuscipes, R. f. greyii, and R. f. assimilis, not only readily interbreed (Horner and Taylor, 1965), but are markedly similar in most of the features studied. The greatest difference among them is in ovulation rate. In this regard both R. f. fuscipes and R. f. greyii are more productive than R. f assimilis. The possible significance of post-partum oestrus and delayed implantation is discussed in terms of seasonality in the major reproductive efforts of these subspecies in their natural environments.

https://doi.org/10.1071/AM72002

© Australian Mammal Society 1975

Committee on Publication Ethics


Export Citation

View Dimensions