Lines of arrested growth in bone and age estimation in a small primate: Microcebus murinus

Abstract

In primates, age determination using lines of arrested growth (LAGs) from bones has rarely been attempted, and the reliability of these structures has never been experimentally validated. In order to test skeletochronology in primates, LAGs were studied mainly in the long bones of known age Microcebus murinus, a small primate, whose potential longevity may reach 12 years. LAGs were extensively studied in 43 males and 23 females ranging from juveniles to 11-year-old adults. All individuals were born and reared in captivity. Some young individuals were injected with fluorescent dyes to quantify bone growth rates. LAGs in the diaphysis of the tibia are well correlated with age and this skeletal element appears to be the best for assessing skeletochronology in Microcebus murinus. There is strong evidence that the seasonal cycle of photoperiodicity is more important than age alone in producing LAGs.