Ultrasounds in neonatal rats: novel, predator and conspecific odor cues

Neonatal rat ultrasound repetition rates were monitored in response to 6 odor cues, including 1 novel, 2 predator, and 3 conspecific olfactory stimuli. Contrary to predictions of previous studies, predator odor did not elicit consistently low call rates. A significant difference was detected between litters tested with the same odor cue for the foreign and predator odor treatments. Odor was the only significant effect to explain differences in neonatal ultrasonic responses to conspecific odor treatments. Call rates recorded for the novel lactating female odor were significantly greater than those for the home bedding and adult male odors. Odors associated with the home cage or with an adult male elicited low call rates.