Neurobehavioural development of the golden hamster

The aim of this study was to establish a developmental profile for the golden hamster by using a systematic sequence of test procedures. One experimentally naive litter was tested each day from 0 to 25 days of postnatal age. The appearance of developmental landmarks (physical features and reflexes), spontaneous behaviour in an open field, homing behaviour and rota rod performance were studied. Infant mortality through infanticide was recorded in undisturbed and tested hamsters. The results indicated that most of the tests employed in the present study can be applied usefully in the evaluation of the neurobehavioural development of the golden hamster. The developmental profile for this species is described in detail. In comparison to rats and mice, hamsters display accelerated development of a number of characteristics, most notably incisor eruption and vaginal opening. Infanticide, the most troublesome problem in studies in which hamster litters must be disturbed, did not occur after day 3. As most reflexes and sensory abilities develop after this age, hamster pups can be used successfully in behavioural teratology evaluation.