This report is concerned with the relationship between olfactory stimuli and social behaviour in the guinea pig.
The literature review outlines the history of the guinea pig and suggests why an animal so widely used in biomedical research was unpopular with the behavioural psychologists. Reasons for the resurgence of interest in this species are given. Investigations in to varying aspects of social behaviour in the guinea pig are described.
The observations which led to the present investigation are outlined, followed by a discussion of experimental methods relevant to the present investigation.
The response of guinea pigs to specified olfactory stimuli under controlled conditions are detailed. It was found that male guinea pigs respond to the scent of male conspecifics with an aggression-related, species specific response, including scent marking, investigation, and increased locomotion. The animals were attracted to the odour. They preferred female odour to male odour, and responded with increased investigation and marking. The latter was significantly less than in response to male odour. They showed evidence of being able to distinguish between oestrous and non-oestrous urine, Data were obtained
indicating that the female guinea pig increases her rate of marking at oestrus; the oestrus female may be attracted to the male.
The findings are discussed in r elation to the work of other investigators with Cavia porcellus and Cavia aperea, and in relation to other mammalian species. The value of both natural and controlled investigations in the study of social behaviour is emphasized . It is concluded that olfactory stimuli are of major importance in the social life of the guinea pig, and are involved in territoriality, dominance relationships, sexual behaviour, and group cohesion. Suggestions for further research are made .