Early vs. natural weaning in captive baboons: The effect on timing of postpartum estrus and next conception (2001)

Wallis, J., Valentine, B.

Abstract

We examined the details of 73 recorded pregnancies of 45 adult females. ... The results of this study indicate that forced infant weaning did not improve reproductive productivity in our colony of baboons. In fact, the data indicate that most females resumed their reproductive cycles well before infant removal and, when given the opportunity for natural weaning, the females conceived while their previous infants were still dependent upon them. .. The potential benefits of allowing infants to remain with their mothers throughout childhood are obvious.