Early paternal retrieval experience influences the degree of maternal retrieval behavior in adult California mice offspring

Abstract

In biparental species like the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), paternal presence and care contributes to offspring survival with lasting consequences on brain development and social behavior. Paternal retrieval behavior may be particularly important since it protects young from dangers outside of the nest. We have previously shown that paternal retrievals influence social behavior of adult female and male offspring, as well as the expression of hormones associated with parental behavior. In male offspring, paternal retrieval influences future parenting, but whether paternal retrievals affect maternal behavior in adulthood is unclear. Here, we manipulated the experience of paternal retrieval during development and then assessed maternal behavior of adult female offspring. We did not detect group differences in maternal behavior during undisturbed observation or following pup displacement. However, following pup displacement we observed a moderate positive correlation between paternal retrievals experienced in development and maternal retrievals performed in adulthood. Further analysis revealed that the likelihood of females being a high or low retriever is influenced by their developmental experience. These findings suggest that although female California mice engage in similar levels of maternal behavior regardless of paternal care environment, there may be variation in retrieval behavior that is informed by paternal retrieval experience.