Body composition of inbred mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

• 1.

  1. The gross chemical composition of the body was determined in one random bred line and three inbred lines of house mice (Mus musculus).

• 2.

  2. The variability in relation to their respective means of body weight, and of each constituent except fat, was similar in each line.

• 3.

  3. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences between lines in all constituents, and in body weights.

• 4.

  4. Analysis of covariance using body weight as covariate revealed no difference between lines in content of fat-free combustible matter, significant differences in fat content, and highly significant differences in water and ash contents.

• 5.

  5. The genetic and physiological implications of these results are discussed.