Growth velocity and weaning δ15N "Dips" during ontogeny in Macaca mulatta

• Published in: American journal of physical anthropology 2015-06, Vol.157 (2), p.347-357
• Main Authors: Reitsema, Laurie J., Muir, Andrew B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: growth and development; lactation; life history; nitrogen balance; stable isotopes
• ISSN: 0002-9483; 1096-8644
• DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22713

ABSTRACT Objectives: A “dip” in the stable nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) of subadults in the late weaning/early post‐weaning phase of growth and development has been observed. Speculatively, this is the mechanism of positive nitrogen balance operating among rapidly growing subadults. An alternate hypothesis for δ15N dips is that during weaning, subadults eat lower‐15N foods than adults. Methods: This study explores the role of positive nitrogen balance in affecting δ15N variation of growing subadults by comparing growth velocity with stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and δ15N ratios of blood serum from captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) (n = 14) with controlled diets during the first 10 months of life. Results: During the first six months, δ15N values are inversely correlated with growth in some of the anthropometrics (weight and sagittal circumference). Dips in some infants' δ15N values below their mothers' values are observed at the end of the weaning period. However, during this time frame, δ15N values of the infants are not correlated with anthropometric indices. Serum stable isotope ratios of lactating and non‐lactating adult females differ significantly. Conclusions: Growth in body mass and size explains some of the variation in infant δ15N values, but are not responsible for dips in the late weaning/early post‐weaning phase. It is advised that future research evaluate the extent to which growth in other body systems affects nitrogen balance and δ15N dips during ontogeny, and expand on isotopic differences between lactating and non‐lactating females. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:347–357, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.