Individual odours and mating success in the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus

Abstract

Abstract. This study tested (1) whether female golden hamsters can detect individual differences in the odours of conspecific males, and (2) whether a female's exposure to individually distinctive male odours can facilitate mating success. In experiment 1, a habituation-discrimination paradigm showed that females can distinguish individual differences in the odours of flank gland secretions, urine, faeces, and soiled bedding from males. In experiment 2, four groups of females were exposed to male odours (soiled bedding) or to no odours (clean bedding) for 30 min per day for 10 days. Females then were tested in dyadic encounters with males, and aggressive and sexual behaviour patterns were recorded. Group 1 females were exposed to the odours of one male, then tested with the same male. Group 2 females were exposed to the odours of one male but tested with a different male. Group 3 females were exposed to the odours of 10 different males then tested with another unfamiliar male. Group 4 females were not exposed to any male odours and were tested with an unfamiliar male. Group 1 females showed lower levels of aggression and higher levels of sexual behaviour than did females in the other groups. Pregnancy rates were similar among the groups, but group 1 females produced significantly larger litters than did females in the other groups. These results suggest that mammalian scent marking may have important sexual functions, and that a female's familiarity with the individual odours of a conspecific male may facilitate mating and affect reproductive success.