Chin-marking behavior in male and female New Zealand rabbits: onset, development, and activation by steroids.

摘要: Chin marking(chinning) frequency was determined daily in 25 male and 24 female New Zealand rabbits aged 31–150 days. Chinning appeared earlier females (mean ± SD = 41 16 days) than males (47 13 days). Between days 30–50, displayed chinning more frequently males. Thereafter, increased steadily both sexes up to day 100. curves levelled on 100 140 females, respectively. Profile analysis of showed significant differences their slopes population means (p < 0.001). At 7 months age (days 210–224), adult frequencies: mean 103 18 79 14 marks/10 min (n 8) 8), The administration testosterone propionate (TP, 1 mg/day) or estradiol benzoate (EB, μg/day) respectively, from 31–50, stimulated higher frequencies those by untreated animals. Results suggest that increases throughout development largely as a consequence concomitant increase sex steroid secretion.