Effects of handling on maternal behaviour in the mouse (Mus musculus): An observational study

摘要: Abstract The behaviour of handled lactating female mice (group MH) and females whose litters had been LH) was examined using a time-sampling observational procedure. Few long-lasting changes in were recorded following handling. Animals group LH obtained higher mean scores on number indices maternal care, but only the score for licking pups during first hour after handling experience found to be significantly different. It is suggested that while stimulation provided by this increased may partly responsible reduction emotional reactivity usually reported animals, influence other factors cannot ruled out.