Contribution of within-litter interactions to individual differences in early postnatal growth in the domestic rabbit

摘要: Interactions with littermates are an important component of the early environment altricial mammals, frequently major consequence for individual development, growth and survival. Early differences in starting mass within litters often predictive behaviour although to what extent such independent (epi)genetic factors is not always clear. In our study on domestic rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, we created experimentally mixed consisting either heavier or lighter pups obtained from different at birth raised by foster mothers. We hypothesized that pups' body relative their new would determine nature social interactions consequences growth, largely absolute origin. As predicted, a higher postnatal day 1 compared members litter consistently had more neighbours huddle, thus reflecting central position. turn, relatively temperatures, greater milk intake conversion ratio, resulting during first critical week. Relative origin no notable effect, indicating observed developmental patterns were truly driven current rather than being effects potentially associated mass. conclusion, underlines importance among siblings shaping development genetic factors.