Seasonal variation in the body fat of Japanese macaques Macaca fuscata.

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  • Hamada Yuzuru
    Section of Morphology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University
  • Hayakawa Seiji
    Section of Morphology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University
  • Suzuki Juri
    Center for Human Evolution Modeling Research, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University
  • Watanabe Kunio
    Laboratory of the conservation and management of Japanese macaques, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University
  • Ohkura Satoshi
    Laboratory of neuro-endocrinology, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences

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Abstract

Japanese macaques Macaca fuscata inhabit the Japanese archipelago where they experience markedly seasonal warm and cool temperate climates. Their reproduction and their nutritional status follow clearly seasonal patterns. Their status can be effectively evaluated based on their total body fat, but making such measurements has been difficult. In this study, the body fat of Japanese macaques was studied using Double Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Adult males were found to have a median fat mass of 7% and adult females 9%. Using the 90th percentile as the criterion, we determined the levels of obesity in Japanese macaques as 17% in males and 27% in females. Fatness indicators (physique index and skinfold thickness) were found to correlate well with total body fat and fat mass percentage. Fat mass is estimated fairly well from these indicators. Fatness indicators change seasonally in artificially reared Japanese macaques.<br>

Journal

  • Mammal Study

    Mammal Study 28 (2), 79-88, 2003

    THE MAMMAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN

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