The influence of maternal experience on the formation of species-specific offspring behavior in early ontogenesis

Abstract

The influence of maternal experience on the formation of early behavioral responses and species-specific defensive behavior (dark preference response) was investigated in Wistar rat offspring. Maternal behavior of primiparous rats was found to differ from that of the same females parturiated for the second time. The behavior of maternally experienced females is distinguished by creating more comfort in the nest and taking more care of their offspring. A study of the behavioral dynamics in the primiparous females’ offspring revealed a disappearance of correlative links between eye opening times and the appearance of first behavioral responses, which is a negative factor for the formation of adaptive behavior in ontogenesis. Disturbed development of the speciesspecific defensive behavior (dark preference response) was found in the offspring of naïve females. The obtained results indicate a positive influence of the maternal experience on the formation of functions in offspring.