OBSERVACIONES PRELIMINARES SOBRE COMPORTAMIENTO PRENATAL Y POSTNATAL DE Rattus rattus var. norvegicus (Linneo 1758) EN EL LABORATORIO

Abstract

The present research work was conducted with the objective of acquiring training in the observation of wild rats brought to laboratory conditions. It consisted in observing pre and post natal behavior in Rattus rattus var. norvegicus (Linneo 1758). The fact that the mother's aggressiveness increased with the arrival of parturition, event that occurred on the 17th day of gestation was observed. Once the pups were born, the mother showed herself protective and careful. She never rejected her pups even when they were manipulated daily to assess their weight and head - body size development. Cannibalism was not observed. The reproductive success was a 100% considering the fact that all pups reached adulthood. In relation to weight and head -body size, it was found that sexual differences became significant around day 29th (p = 0.006) and day 32nd (p = 0.012), respectively. Weaning occurred on day 30th.