Diet and sire effects on serum cholesterol and cholesterol absorption in infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus)

One hundred three baboon infants, the progeny of an equal number of dams and seven sires, were breast fed or were fed prepared formulas containing 1.2, 29, or 61 mg/dl cholesterol for 14 weeks. We measured serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations at birth and at 3-week intervals, and cholesterol absorption at 12 weeks. Dietary cholesterol had a significant effect on serum cholesterol concentration at 12 weeks and on cholesterol absorption, but did not affect weight or serum triglyceride concentration. Sire had a significant effect on serum cholesterol concentration at birth and at 12 weeks, but the effect at birth did not predict the effect at 12 weeks. Sire did not affect cholesterol absorption, serum triglyceride concentration, or weight at 12 weeks. The sire effect on serum cholesterol concentration in infancy is mediated by control of cholesterol absorption. Males weighed more than females at 12 weeks, but sex did not affect serum cholesterol concentration, triglyceride concentration, or cholesterol absorption.