Reproductive performance in female common hamsters.

摘要: We monitored individual reproductive timing and output in a common hamster population Vienna over 3-year period. Animals were live-trapped, weighed, individually marked, status was determined at capture. Costs of reproduction investigated by measuring body condition shortly before hibernation overwinter survival. Our results indicated that early emerging females had more litters weaned offspring per season. Body mass throughout the active season did not differ significantly between with high low output. High seemed to affect duration Successful longer postreproduction period than less successful ones, probably serving balance costs effort extended preparation for hibernation. Also, emerged spring success likely survive subsequent winter. Hence, we found female hamsters vary strongly maternal investment capacity tailor strategies accordingly.