Maternal behaviour of undernourished mother rats towards well fed and underfed young

摘要: Abstract Mother rats which had been well fed or undernourished from mating were subjected to retrieving tests during lactation. They tested on alternate occasions with strange, poorly young. Undernourished mothers less efficient retrievers than control mothers. Whether the pups made no difference performance, but elicited more licking both types of mother. A marked tendency by rear against sides cage may have contributed their poor performance. This also pertained outwith home situation and is hence unlikely reflect anticipation feeding. Possible implications for pup development differences in mothers' behaviour are discussed.