Effect of maternal deprivation on growth of Wistar rats in preweaning period.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to observe the effect of maternal deprivation on somatic growth of wistar rat pups viz. Body weight, nose-rump length, tail length and head length. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 5 days old 50 rat pups were studied dividing equally into control and experimental groups. Experimental group (N=25) of rats were maternally deprived 1-4 hours twice daily till the weaning period. Body weight and measurement of body parts were recorded at 4 days interval till 29th day. Recorded parameters were statistically analysed. RESULT: The result of this study revealed that maternal deprivation stress produces significant effect in the body weight, nose-rump length and tail length from D9 till the study period whereas head length insignificantly affected. CONCLUSION: MD stress has profound effects on somatic growth and found irreversible even after withdrawal for a period of 8 days.