A STUDY OF SIZE INHERITANCE IN THE HOUSE MOUSE: I. THE EFFECT OF MILK SOURCE

Abstract

Three strains of mice were used to study the effect of fostering on the growth pattern of the mouse. The strains used breed true for size and have been designated as "Large", "Small", and "Intermediate". The 14-day mean weight of mice that received milk from "Large" strain mothers is significantly different from those that received milk from either the "Small" or the "Intermediate" strain mothers. Although these differences tend to remain, they are not statistically significant at 140 days. The significance of these results are discussed in relation to the arithmetic and geometric concepts of polygenic growth.