A comparison of the aversive and female attractant properties of urine from dominant and subordinate male mice

Abstract

The urine of individual dominant and subordinate male mice was tested for male-aversive and female-attractant properties using dominant and subordinate male donors and Ss and estrous and anestrous female Ss in open-field tests. The results indicate (1) the presence of a factor in the urine of dominant males which proves aversive to both dominant and subordinate Ss, (2) the presence of a female attractant in the urine of dominant males, (3) naive females must be in estrous to respond positively to male urine. The results are discussed in terms of preputial and coagulating gland contents, androgen levels, and possible territorial functions. © 1974 Psychonomic Society, Inc.