Marginal protein deficiency in pregnant rats. II. Impaired behavior during pregnancy
Galler, J.R.; Zartarian, G.N.; Neel, A.L.; Munro, H.N.
Journal of Nutrition 110(7): 1298-1302
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166 PMID: 6770062 Document Number: 164256
2. The rats and their diets were as those described in the preceding abst. Behavioural observations were made both in the breeding cage of each rat and in an open area (field) on days 15 and 20 of pregnancy. Pregnancy by itself caused a number of behavioural changes including reduced general activity, increased grooming and increased time sleeping. The amount of protein in the diet at the time of testing, but not that in the diet given previously, affected behaviour. In the breeding cage, low dietary protein reduced ventromedial grooming in pregnant rats, a behaviour related to mammary development in preparation for lactating. In the open field, rearing on the hind legs was decreased among pregnant rats on the low-protein diet, a finding which may be associated with loss of muscle substance. Both of these behavioural changes have implications for the ability of the female to raise her offspring and to interact with her environment during pregnancy.