Open-field behavior of C3H mice: Effect of early handling, field illumination, and age at testing

Abstract

C3H mice, either handled or undisturbed at 1–7 days of age, were tested for later activity and defecation in the open field under low or high illumination at 50, 70, or 100 days of age. Activity scores indicated that handled Ss were more emotional at 50 and 70 days of age but less emotional at 100 days than controls. In contrast, defecation scores indicated that handled Ss were less emotional than controls at all ages. High illumination resulted in lower activity at all ages for both handled and control Ss but had differential effects upon defecation as a function of age and treatment. These results demonstrate the necessity of further research to clarify the relationship between activity and defecation as indices of emotionality in mice. © 1970, Psychonomic Journals, Inc.. All rights reserved.