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Parturition in the rat (Rattus norvegicus): Normative aspects and the temporal patterning of behaviours
M J Dollinger1, W R Holloway, V H Denenberg
1Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268 U.S.A.
Behavioural Processes
|June 14, 2014
Summary
This study quantifies rat parturition, revealing distinct behavioral phases and a lull in births. Parity minimally impacts behaviors, suggesting uterine conditioning.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Behavior
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- Parturition in laboratory rats involves complex physiological and behavioral processes.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for reproductive research and animal welfare.
- The influence of parity on parturition has been an area of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze the process of parturition in laboratory rats.
- To investigate the specific effects of parity on parturitional behaviors.
- To establish a temporal sequencing of parturitional behaviors and phases.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of parturition in laboratory rats.
- Observation and documentation of 21 distinct parturitional behaviors.
- Clustering of behaviors into five distinct temporal phases.
- Investigation of the effects of parity on parturitional parameters.
Main Results:
- Gestational length averaged 22-23 days; parturition lasted approximately 97.3 minutes.
- Mean litter size was 10.84 pups, with an average pup weight of 6.49g.
- Parturition organized into five phases (Initiation, Contraction, Birth-Oriented, Termination, Nursing), with most births occurring in the second half.
- Parity effects were limited to 'Mount' and 'Lordosis Contraction' behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Rat parturition exhibits an orderly progression of behaviors across defined temporal phases.
- Parity may induce subtle uterine conditioning, influencing specific parturitional behaviors.
- The findings provide a detailed temporal map of rat parturition, valuable for future research.
