Rehousing periadolescent male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) apart from their mothers for 24 hours increases maternally directed sexual behavior and plasma testosterone

Periadolescent male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) housed continuously with their mother displayed little or no sexual behavior when they were tested w ith her in a novel environment. However, if males were rehoused without the ir mother for 24 hr before testing, they frequently directed courtship and sexual behavior toward her. This effect occurred whether the mother was iso lated or not during the rehousing period In addition, rehousing without the mother produced a significant rise in the plasma testosterone levels of th e males. It appears that continuous housing with the mother inhibits sexual and courtship behavior directed toward her, as well as gonadal activity, i n periadolescent male guinea pigs. These effects may serve to prevent inbre eding.