Transmission of food preferences in spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) via nose-mouth interaction between mothers and weanlings |
| |
Authors: | S A McFadyen-Ketchum R H Porter |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Psychology and Human Development, George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Box 512, TN37203 Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Summary Two laboratory experiments assessed the role of nose-to-head and nose-mouth investigation in the transmission of food preferences from Acomys cahirinus mothers to their offspring. Pups spent more time nosing and licking the nose-mouth area of mothers who ate a novel food (fresh potato or carrot) than of mothers who ate no novel food. A greater amount of the less-preferred novel food (potato) was subsequently eaten by pups whose mothers had eaten potato than pups whose mothers had eaten either carrot or familiar laboratory chow only. Mothers maintained a stereotypic posture during nose-mouth investigation, holding still with mouth slightly open, providing both a source of specific food cues and a context in which pups could become familiar with them. These data suggest an active role by Acomys mothers in the development of offspring food preferences. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|