Long-term effects of malnutrition on reproduction: a laboratory study with meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, and red-backed voles, Clethrionomys gapperi

Abstract

Infant malnutrition has long-term behavioural effects. We determined the long-term effects of infant malnutrition on reproduction in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi). Experimental animals received standard diets diluted with cornstarch (2:1) during a combination of the following periods: gestation, lactation, and for 3 weeks postweaning. Growth and reproduction of these animals were compared with those of control individuals. During the administration of starch-diluted diets growth was retarded but subjects experienced "catch-up" once they were put on normal diets. Effects on reproduction of individuals that had experienced malnutrition as infants were minimal. Litter size was greater (both species), the proportion of females reproducing was greater (meadow voles), and birth mass was greater (meadow voles), but the growth rate of offspring was slightly lower (both species), for females malnourished as infants. The ecological implications of infant malnutrition are discussed.