Protein malnutrition in the rat: its effects on maternal behavior and pup development.

Abstract

AbstractRepeated time‐lapse photographic observations were used to examine the maternal behavior and pup development of female Holtzman rats maintained on either a low‐protein (12% casein by weight) or a high‐protein (25% casein) diet throughout the period of lactation. Dams fed the low‐protein diet were observed to spend more time in the nesting area with their pups than dams fed the high‐protein diet. Locomotor activity of the dams did not differ between the 2 groups. The behavioral development of the pups suckling the dams receiving the low‐protein diet was markedly depressed as compared with the controls. Included in this latter observation were pup behaviors such as movement from the nesting area, feeding and drinking from available supplies, and rearing and climbing activity. The results indicate that feeding a low‐protein diet to a lactating dam results in behavioral changes in both the dam and pups that tend to minimize the exposure of the pups to the immediate environment.