Adequate mothering by partially isolated rhesus monkeys after observation of maternal care

13 laboratory-born female monkeys were allowed to remain with their mothers for about 4 mo and were subsequently singly caged in rooms where they were able to see other monkeys. Ss that did not see mothers caring for their infants neglected their own firstborn. In contrast, Ss that were allowed to observe separately caged mother–infant pairs accepted their own infants but initially held them in atypical positions. Only 2–3 yrs of natural group life, which probably involved observation of mothering and carrying younger group members, led to acceptance as well as normal holding postures. Results indicate that visual exposure to maternal care, which must take place when the animal is older than about 4 mo, leads to acceptance of the neonate. However, subsequent tactual experience is usually required for learning to hold the infant properly. (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved

The influence of rearing conditions on maternal behavior in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Contains fulltext : 28348.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)We studied the influence of rearing on the adequacy of maternal behavior by comparing 20 harem-reared and 15 peer-reared primiparous cynomolgus monkeys. We used them plus 11 wild-caught females to extend this comparison to multiparous subjects and also to compare primiparae with multiparae. We observed no behavioral effect of rearing and parity. Primiparous maternal adequacy amounted to 93% in peer-reared subjects and to 95% in harem-reared monkeys. We extensively discuss theories concerning rearing effects. Leitmotifs throughout the discussion are survival value of maternal behavior immediately after parturition and predictive value of this behavior for the further course of maternal behavior. Support is accumulated for the hypothesis that certain tactile and visual experiences suffice for the development of adequate maternal behavior