Effects of climate-controlled housing on reproductive potential of rhesus monkeys.

The reproductive adaptability of newly acquired female feral rhesus monkeys was evaluated by comparison of their menstrual records and progesterone levels with those of females in captivity for 3 1/2 years. Housing of the animals under conditions that simulated conditions of the breeding season in the wild resulted in a rapid adjustment with minimal periods of amenorrhoea or anovulation. Both groups of monkeys were similar with respect to menstruation and menstrual cycle length and progesterone levels.