Figure 2.
Sensory stimulation of pups by the dam is enhanced every day after handled pups are returned to the cage. A, Maternal care, specifically licking and grooming, was observed and quantified daily during P2–P8. The duration of maternal licking and grooming (during the 30 min after handled pups were returned to their dam) was twofold higher than that of undisturbed dams at the same time of day (paired t test, p < 0.001; R2 = 0.97). B, This increase of licking and grooming of pups occurred even when handling was performed once only on P5 or on P8. Mat. care, Maternal care. * indicates that values differ significantly from those of P5 undisturbed litters; ** indicates that values are significantly different from those of P8 undisturbed litters; p < 0.05. n = 5 litters per group.
