TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE DURING GESTATION IN THE RABBIT: EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT MATERNAL BEHAVIOUR

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Abstract
Summary. Groups of pregnant, Purdue, Dutch-belted rabbits were injected with three levels of testosterone propionate from Days 17 to 29 of gestation. Treatment periods and the daily amount of testosterone injected were: Days 17 to 21, 5 mg; Days 22 to 25, 2·5 mg; Days 27 to 29, 2·5 or 1 mg. Testosterone treatment for the complete schedule (i.e. Days 17 to 29) resulted in significant suppression of maternal-nest-building behaviour, failure to rear litters, increased incidence of abortion or resorption and presence of scattering, cannibalism or failure to nurse. Only the complete treatment schedule significantly inhibited maternal nest building while lack of litter care could be produced by treatment during Days 17 to 25 or Days 27 to 29. In addition, treatment during Days 17 to 25 produced a significant increase in abortion and/or resorption. Results are discussed in terms of the interaction between testosterone and normal endocrine requirements for maternal behaviour.

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