Comparison of growth curves of mice selected and unselected for postweaning gain

Abstract

Mice were sampled from a line selected for increased postweaning weight gain from three to six weeks and from a randombred control line originating from the same base population. Body weights were recorded at each of 14 ages from day 5 to day 98. The Richards and logistic growth functions were fitted to the growth trajectories of each individual mouse by a generalized non-linear least squares procedure. Estimated growth parameters (asymptotic weight, rate, shape of curve, age and weight at inflection, mean absolute growth rate and mean relative growth rate) were computed for each individual. The effects of line, litter within line, sex and line × sex interactions on these estimated parameters were then studied.