查看文章

The maternal behaviour of 7 ovariectomized, oestrogen-treated ewes was recorded after intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of oxytocin (OT). At weekly intervals 10-min behaviour tests were given starting 1 min after control (saline) or OT infusions. In the ewes’ home pens, 5-, 10- and 20-µg doses of OT significantly increased the frequency of some or all of the maternal behaviours scored (low-pitch bleats, sniffing, licking and approaching/following the lamb), and 3 ewes allowed suckling attempts. Aggressive (head butts) and negative (withdrawal from the lamb) behaviours significantly decreased in frequency. Vaginocervical stimulation (10 min duration) produced similar effects on these behaviours. When the lambs were removed from the ewes’ pens, the ewes exhibited significantly more high-pitch bleats (protest) following OT treatment. When 20 µg OT was given ICV in the absence of oestrogen priming …