Growth of the Weddell Seal, Leptonychotes weddelli (Pinnipedia)

Abstract

Birth weight was more than trebled during the 6-week suckling period in Weddell seals, and increments in girth measurements were greater than increments in standard length. There was a very highly significant relationship between body weight and length and girth, but no consistent difference between the sexes in birth weight or growth during the suckling period. The distribution of body length frequencies, and regression of body length on age of juvenile and adult seals, indicated that at all ages greater than 1 year, females are larger than males. The mean length difference favouring females is approximately 6 cm. A multiple regression equation was derived that permits estimation of body weight from length and girth measurements. Relative weights and growth coefficients of several tissues and organs are recorded, and discussed in relation to similar data from other species of marine mammals.