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Weaning in rats: I. Maternal behavior.

C P Cramer1, E Thiels, J R Alberts

  • 1Department of Psychology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755.

Developmental Psychobiology
|September 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Norway rat dams gradually reduced nursing time during weaning (postpartum Days 14-35), spending less time nursing but remaining with pups. This maternal behavior change closely aligns with pup development.

Area of Science:

  • Ethology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Maternal behavior is crucial for offspring survival and development.
  • The weaning period involves significant behavioral shifts in both mothers and young.
  • Previous studies suggested milk transfer cessation as the primary indicator of weaning completion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe maternal behavior in Norway rat dams during the weaning period (postpartum Days 14-35).
  • To investigate the temporal dynamics of nursing and dam-pup proximity.
  • To correlate maternal behavioral changes with pup developmental milestones.

Main Methods:

  • Continuous timelapse videorecordings were used to observe Norway rat dams and their litters.
  • Maternal behaviors, including nursing bouts and time spent in the nesting chamber, were quantified.

Related Experiment Videos

  • The use of a private feeding chamber by dams was also monitored.

    • Main Results:

    • Nursing time declined steadily after postpartum Day 20, persisting until Day 34, longer than previously reported.
    • The reduction in nursing was primarily due to fewer daily nursing bouts, leading to diminished milk letdowns.
    • Dams did not utilize a private feeding chamber to increase distance from pups; they remained in the nesting chamber while reducing nursing time.

    Conclusions:

    • Maternal nursing behavior undergoes subtle, progressive changes during weaning in Norway rats.
    • These behavioral shifts are closely orchestrated and coordinated with pup development.
    • Maternal presence in the nesting chamber, despite reduced nursing, suggests continued maternal care during this transitional phase.