Suckling behavior of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

Abstract

In some mammals, young exhibit obvious preferences for anterior or posterior teats. In addition, individuals within litters may suckle consistently from the same teat or pair of teats - patterns of behavior termed teat fidelity and teat-pair fidelity, respectively. I examined if young prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) preferred particular locations of teats and exhibited fidelity to a particular teat or teat-pair. I marked individual young and scored location of teats suckled every other day from day 4 to day 16 postpartum. Young preferred the hind pair of teats over the middle teats and least preferred the front teats. Fidelity in choice of teat and teat-pair varied with litter size, being more pronounced in small litters. Advantages of suckling from hind teats are unknown. Enhanced teat fidelity and teat-pair fidelity in small litters probably reflect reduced competition for preferred locations of teats and the need for consistent stimulation of a teat to ensure adequate milk production.