Maternal behavior in the albina rat as a function of self-licking deprivation.

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Abstract
Self-licking was prevented in 10 female rats from the 11th day after birth by means of rubber collars around their necks. These Ss'' ability to deliver and maintain the resultant litter did not differ from that of 11 control Ss whose collars did not restrict self-licking. This study questions the theory that preparturition self-licking is important for normal parturition and maternal behavior.