Stimuli Contributing to Decrement in Sexual Receptivity of Female Golden-Hamsters (Mesocricetus-Auratus)

Abstract

Stimuli capable of altering sexual receptivity in the female golden hamster were examined. Females receiving full copulatory stimulation from a normal male hamster or a combination of mounting by a male and mechanical vagino-cervical stimulation were almost totally unreceptive upon retest. Mounting alone or mechanical stimulation alone produced significantly smaller depressions in receptivity, but females receiving these treatments were less receptive than unmated females. The amount of stimulation received during intromissions-only from a male was also positively related to a depression in female receptivity. Thirty-six intromissions were adequate to produce maximal changes in receptivity. Ejaculation was not necessary to alter female behaviour. Increases in fighting generally accompanied decreases in receptivity.