rat-weight-gain-through-development

This research involved compiling data from 15 longitudinal studies on rat development, focusing on weight gain patterns. The dataset, comprising nearly 300 data points capturing age and weight information both before and after birth, aimed to investigate the impact of various factors on rat weight gain. Analysis using the Gompertz equation revealed that differences in growth patterns became more pronounced during later developmental stages. Notably, significant variations in maximum weight asymptote were observed due to sexual dimorphism and differences between rat strains, while early developmental periods did not yield significant differences in other parameters. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding these factors in modeling rat development and highlights the relevance of mixed models in such analyses. Key terms include development, weight, rat, Gompertz, and mixed models.