Social and hormonal factors influencing infanticide and its suppression in adult male Long-Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus).

摘要: In a series of six experiments, the experiential and hormonal factors influencing infanticide in Long-Evans hooded rats were examined. Males, but not females, purchased from breeder as adults exhibited at high rates, whereas males reared laboratory until adulthood less likely to be infanticidal. Sexual experience reduced rate laboratory-reared males, cohabitation with female through pregnancy lactation (including exposure pups) inhibited previously infanticidal males. Fourteen days pregnant following copulation breeder, without followed by nonpregnant (ovariectomized) did inhibit infanticide. Castration reduce their infanticide, testosterone implants increased number exhibiting The importance for controlling male is discussed.