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DIAGNOSIS OF PREGNANCY AND EXPERIMENTAL EXTENSION OF GESTATION IN THE PIPISTRELLE BAT, PIPISTRELLUS PIPISTRELLUS

Summary.: The reliability of palpation, weighing, radiography and the state of the nipples is discussed in relation to the determination of pregnancy in the pipistrelle.

In two series of pregnant pipistrelles, the mean length of gestation has been extended by the induction of torpor at different stages during pregnancy and this extension is in good agreement with the period of torpor. Pregnancy is thought to be extended in response to adverse conditions in the natural environment, and the present concept of a standard gestation period for these heterothermic animals is therefore questioned.