Abstract
Systematic removal of either vision, audition or olfaction in primiparous naive rats relieved of young by Caesarean section on Days 18–22 of gestation does not eliminate maternal behavior toward foster pups; it only alters components of the total maternal response. Deafening (produced by destruction of the basilar membrane) increased the latency of retrieving and sniffing. The initiation of these two behaviors is thus facilitated by audition. Blinding by enucleation increased the duration of licking and crouching. Vision may thus be said to hamper or lessen the short-term maintenance of maternal behavior. In contrast, anosmia (produced by removal of the olfactory bulbs) had little effect on either the initiation or maintenance of maternal behavior. In all of the animals the incidence of cannibalism was rare. Only 9% (n=58) ate young. In general, then, maternal behavior remained intact in most of the rats. It would appear therefore that no one exteroceptive sense is necessary for maternal behavior in naive Caesarean-delivered rats.
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