Prenatal ionizing irradiaton and early postnatal growth of Colombian and Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus).

Fetal squirrel monkeys of Bolivian and Colombian origin were exposed to 100 rad cobalt-60 radiation in utero and carried to term by the dams. Body weight, head circumference, crown-rump length, and food intake were measured during the first 28 postnatal days. Significant subspecies differences were noted in both mothers and offspring, the Colombian squirrel monkeys being generally larger than the Bolivians. The irradiated offspring weighed significantly less, had significantly smaller crania, and consumed significantly less food than control animals. A statistically nonsignificant decrement was also evident in the crown-rump length of radiation-treated infants.