Premium
Reproduction in the vervet monkey ( Cercopithecus aethiops ): II. Annual menstrual patterns and seasonality
Author(s) -
Else J. G.,
Eley R. M.,
Wangula C.,
Worthman C.,
Lequin R. M.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.1350110404
Subject(s) - vervet monkey , ovulation , luteal phase , reproduction , biology , cercopithecus aethiops , menstrual cycle , annual cycle , zoology , seasonality , seasonal breeder , physiology , endocrinology , ecology , follicular phase , hormone , virology , virus
Menstrual patterns and progesterone levels were monitored for 5 years from a cohort of 28 female vervet monkeys that were individually caged indoors. Three distinct cycle types (short, normal, and prolonged) were defined according to cycle length. Mean length of the normal cycle (32.5 days) and menses duration (4.8 days) are in agreement with previous reports. Prolonged cycles (> 50 days) contributed 20% of the total, with a decreased incidence during the natural peak breeding period. Weekly progesterone measurements indicated that many prolonged cycles were associated with an extended luteal phase, while others were probably due to lack of ovulation. From these data it would appear that the vervet monkey, although not strongly seasonal, does favor a particular time of year for breeding in a colony housed indoors.