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.