Suckling infant rats learn a preference for a novel olfactory stimulus paired with milk delivery

Science. 1981 Jan 30;211(4481):506-8. doi: 10.1126/science.7192882.

Abstract

When presented a novel olfactory stimulus while suckling a passive dam, 11- to 14-day-old rat pups acquire a conditioned preference for that stimulus. The magnitude of the conditioned preference is greater if the pups received milk while suckling than if they did not. The results indicate that infants are capable of learning while suckling and that milk delivery plays a role in this associative process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Population Groups / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Suckling / physiology*
  • Association Learning / physiology
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Conditioning, Psychological
  • Female
  • Lactation*
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Smell