Determinants of mother-young contact in Norway rats

摘要: Rat dams choose to care for their pups in a relatively warm area, apparently because they have an elevated thermal set point the regulation of body temperature. Since duration contact bouts with is limited by acute hyperthermia that experience while on pups, choice limits time can spend pups. When could temperature at which cared young spent only about half offspring as did caring ambient laboratory. We conclude rat do not attempt maximize offspring. Dams also minimize amount away from The intervals between was influenced ability dissipate heat gained during bout Again, seek out cool area interbout intervals, preferring remain areas. Their preference facilitated retention and prolongation intervals. may return nest periodically brief state monitored. Pups were found play both passive active roles modulating overall pattern maternal contact, maintained if cool, but failure attach nipples soon after established frequently led rapid termination, particularly Contact are or nipples. Finally, it actively curtail emitting ultrasonic vocalizations.