COPULATORY BEHAVIOUR OF RATS (RATTUS NORVEGICUS) AS A FUNCTION OF PRIOR COPULATORY EXPERIENCE

Two experiments were reported which were designed further to elaborate the contributions of prior copulatory experience to copulatory behaviour in rats. In experiment 1-test 4 the behaviour of two groups of rats of equal age with 0 or 3 prior tests were compared. In experiment 1-test 7, performance of rats with 0, 3, or 6 prior tests was compared. In experiment 2 performance of rats with 0 or 4 prior tests was compared. Data were related to those of Larsson (1959). Prior copulatory experience produced small, but generally reliable, decreases in mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies. Intromission rates were generally increased. There was some trend for decreased mount and intromission frequencies. The effect of experience on postejaculatory intervals was a weak one. The prediction of differential effects of experience on measures controlled by Beach's hypothetical Arousal Mechanism and Copulatory Mechanism was not borne out. © 1969.