Effects of age,sex, and heredity on measures of bone mass in baboons (Papio hamadryas)

Abstract: Bone mass and bone density were estimated in 219 pedigreed baboons (Papio hamadryas) by radiographic morphometry of the left second metacarpal. Compact bone width (total bone width – medullary canal diameter) and bone ratio (compact bone width/total bone width) decreased with increasing age squared in both sexes. The heritability of medullary canal diameter was 0.64±0.11, of compact bone width was 0.40±0.15 and of bone ratio was 0.67±0.13. The results indicate baboons are a useful model for studies of age, sex and genetic effects on bone mass.