Torpor use during gestation and lactation in a primate

• Published in: Die Naturwissenschaften Vol. 99; no. 2; pp. 159 - 163
• Main Authors: Canale, Cindy I, Perret, Martine, Henry, Pierre-Yves
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.02.2012; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Animal biology; Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Body Temperature; Body Temperature Regulation - physiology; Caloric Restriction; Cheirogaleidae - metabolism; Cheirogaleidae - physiology; energy; Environment; Female; females; food availability; food shortages; gestation period; lactation; Lactation - physiology; Lemuridae; Life Sciences; Microcebus; Pregnancy; progeny; pups; Reproduction - physiology; resting periods; Short Communication; skin temperature; temperature profiles; Weight Loss - physiology; Pregnancy; Thermoregulation; Heterothermy; Physiological flexibility; Body temperature; Calorie restriction

Torpor is an energy-saving mechanism that allows endotherms to overcome energetic challenges. Torpor should be avoided during reproduction because of potential incompatibility with offspring growth. To test if torpor can be used during gestation and lactation to compensate for food shortage, we expo...