Abstract
Two experiments were designed to study the retrieval behavior of female rats toward natural and foster offspring. In the first experiment, lactating female rats were introduced into a two-pup choice situation and their behavior was examined. In the second experiment, time to retrieve natural and foster pups was measured. The results indicated that the females showed no preference in the choice situation. They did, however, differentially treat the natural and foster pups once contact with the pup was made. The implication of these findings for nutrition research is discussed.
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The authors thank Karen E. Jones for her assistance in conducting this research.
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Misanin, J.R., Zawacki, D.M. & Krieger, W.G. Differential maternal behavior of the rat dam toward natural and foster pups: Implication for nutrition research. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 10, 313–316 (1977). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329346
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329346