Abstract: Objective To explore the tail docking experiment in tree shrews and to observe the effects on their motions and reproduction conditions in the laboratory domestication. Methods Forty-five tree shrews were chosen and randomly divided into three groups: tree shrews in group 1 (bred for three months after tail docking, n=15) and group 2 ( bred for six months after tail docking, n=15) are tailed between the second and the third caudal vertebra or between the third and the forth caudal vertebra. Group 3 is the blank control group (n=15). The increases of gastrocnemius muscle tension of group 1 and 2 were compared with group 3. The structures of gastrocnemius of each group were detected by light microscope. Tree shrews in each group mated 1∶1( five males and females each group). Pregnancy, breeding and weaning were observed and recorded. Result All the tailed tree shrews have survived. The difference in the increases of gastronomies muscle tension in group 1 and 2 is significant compared with the blank control group (P<0.05). There are no obvious differences in the weights of the tree shrews and the increase of weights (P>0.05). No differences in conception rate were observed (P>0.05). Conclusion Tail docking has a certain inhibitory effect on the tree shrews’ motions, but they can grow, breeding and develop normally.

Key words: Tree shrew, Tail docking, Gastrocnemius, Muscle tension, Growth and development