Estrous cycle modulation of the attraction to odors in female golden hamsters

Receptive female Syrian hamsters were significantly attracted to the odors of other hamsters but not to odors obtained from certain foods. Estrous female attraction scores were larger in response to male Syrian flank gland sebum (SMFG) than to estrous hamster vaginal discharge (HVD) obtained from either Syrian (SHVD) or Turkish (THVD) hamsters. On Day 3 of their estrous cycle, nonreceptive Syrian hamsters were significantly attracted to food-related odors but not to the odors of other hamsters (SMFG, SHVD, or THVD).