The Decline of Sexual Behavior in Male Cats After Castration With Special Reference To the Role of Prior Sexual Experience

摘要: The influence of sexual experience gained prior to castration, on the degree retention behavior after removal testes was investigated in an experiment involving 15 male cats raised from weaning laboratory. During a series 20-minute tests, nine males were permitted between 11 and 81 intromissions per animal (Group I). Six only minimal II). Four these tested until first mount performed, at which time they gently separated female. other two not any behavior. After castration both groups weekly had ceased appear, or case "long persisters", low level observed. maximally experienced Group I superior their performance those II when this superiority measured by (1) presence absence intromission, (2) frequencies mounts test, (3) number weeks that elements All performed least one intromission ceased, most continued for many months before becoming unresponsive receptive In contrast this, six minimally achieved castration. These appeared postoperative none observed thereafter. female several months. remaining four showed no interest except single mounts. results led conclusion functioned facilitate continuation pattern having been differentiated practiced during preoperative it could be elicited stimuli present testing situation, especially female, despite testicular hormone. under depressing effects behavior, unable respond stimulation provided failed develop even perform introductory mating pattern. An analysis decline I) revealed steady decrease showing intromissions, third month performing regularly. Mounting also declined as average frequency test sequence disappeared consistent. Intromission dropped out first. This followed rise long Eventually short without stepping pelvic thrusting. varying periods eventually became infrequent nearly absent animals. postcastrate individual divided into three classes follows: Type A - Following initial including persisted 8 31/2 years. indefinitely. T y p e B Intromissions 2nd 3rd but mounting C shortly Further intromissive type gradual loss ability animals achieve maintain adequate erections. As result history can recognized Period Lowered intromission. Mounts leading prolonged erections weakened. Long more frequent. D longer achieved, still different patterns described above, derived compared with previously reported mammals, where group whole chief consideration. difficulties arose we attempted interpret differences among modes terms concept "levels arousal". discussed alternative interpretation data presented. Thus, attribute types failure resulting morphological physiological changes occurring primarily penis. Likewise, inability sustain probably resulted reduction afferent normally contact general responsiveness characteristic less complete concomitant anticipatory related attributed broader psychiological following withdrawal Even respect latter changes, "sexual arousal" appears inadequate working hypothesis. Emphasis placed need analytical approach would incorporate research mechanisms, experiential factors ontogenetic processes.