Differential Mortality of Male and Female Germfree C3H Mice Introduced into a Conventional Colony. ∗

Abstract

Summary

When germfree C3Hf/Pi mice are introduced into a conventional colony, there is a high death rate which is dependent on both age and sex. The death rate is higher in males than females, and higher in older animals than younger ones. The death rate remains high for approximately one month, following which it approaches that of conventional C3Hf/Pi mice.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Richard C. Parks and R. James Allred.