DEPRIVATION OF FOOD DURING PREGNANCY AND REPRODUCTION IN THE WATER VOLE (ARVICOLA-TERRESTRIS)

The effect of food deprivation (for 16 h on day 15 and day 18 of gesta tion) on reproduction in water voles (Arvicola terrestris) and their o ffspring was examined. In food-deprived mothers, fecundity was diminis hed and sex ratio of young was skewed toward males. Maternal food depr ivation in late pregnancy had no effect on the reproductive performanc e of young males, but it increased reproductive potency of young femal es. A prolonged positive effect of food restriction on reproduction of female offspring may be important in restoring the size of the popula tion in the next generation.