Effect of long-term sucrose diet on the reproduction and survival of spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus)

Pairs of spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), maintained on a 50% sucrose diet in two experiments lasting 18 or 8 months, gained less weight and exhibited a greater mortality rate of both parents, and pups, than mice kept on regular or fat-rich diets. According to the number of pups born and number of productive pairs, the sucrose-fed mice were also less fertile. The litter size and the number of pups born per productive pair, were slightly but not significantly lower. These findings are discussed against the background of metabolic and pathologic changes induced in rodents maintained on sucrose-rich diets.