The relationship between body composition and survival time during acute cold exposure in white mice ( Mus musculus)

1. (i) In this study we compared several body constituents which are useful in predicting survival time during acute cold exposure in mice. 2. (ii) The survival time of adult, male Swiss-Webster mice exposed to intense cold (−18 °C) was determined. 3. (iii) Survival time was analyzed as a function of total body weight, dry weight, basic weight, lipid index, total body fat, total body water, and percentage body water. 4. (iv) Percentage body water and survival time were inversely related. 5. (v) Dry weight was found to be the most significant factor in predicting cold resistance probably because it represents both metabolic capacity (basic weight) and insulative quality (total body fat).