GROWTH AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF BONNET MONKEY (MACACA-RADIATA)

The present paper summarizes some of the important biological and phys iological data recorded over a 30-year period on the biology of bonnet monkeys in captivity. Data on sexual maturity, menstrual cyclicity, g eneral behaviour, endocrine profile, reproductive physiology, gestatio n, parturition, postpartum amenorrhoea in the female, and sexual matur ity, hormone profile, and seasonal variation in sperm count of the mal e monkeys are presented. In addition to the biological values, weights of selected organs, vertebral and dental pattern are also presented. Menarche occurred at an age of 36+/-4 months and the first conception in the colony occurred at an age of 54+/-4 months. The average menstru al cycle length was 28+/-4.3 days. Majority of monkeys did not cycle r egularly during March-June during which the temperature reached a peak . The pregnancy index of the colony was 80% with controlled breeding. The gestation period was 166+/-5 days with 6-7 months postpartum ameno rrhoea. Males attained sexual maturity by the age of 6-7 years and exh ibited the characteristic nocturnal surge of serum testosterone at thi s age and sperm concentration ranged from 116-799 millions/ejaculate.