The effect of the ovarian cycle on the sexual behaviour of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).
The sexual behaviour of 7 pairs of marmosets was observed during 30 minute tests for 44-68 days and blood samples were collected from females for measurement of plasma progesterone, testosterone and oestrone. Copulations occurred throughout the ovarian cycle of 24-30 days. Females used a "tongue-flicking" display both as an invitational behaviour (proceptive tongue-flicks) and during copulation (receptive tongue-flicks) most frequently during the peri-ovulatory period. Frequencies of proceptivity were correlated positively with high mean levels of testosterone and oestrone during the cycle and with a short follicular phase. Males showed significant increases in tongue-flicks, mounts and ejaculations during the peri-ovulatory phase, together with a shortened post-ejaculatory interval and increased duration of penile erection after ejaculation. A retrospective analysis showed that these changes in the males' behaviour occurred only during tests where females were proceptive and not during other tests in the peri-ovulatory period. Females refused significantly more of the males' mounting attempts during the luteal phase and a corresponding reduction in mount frequency occurred at this time. Grooming, scent-marking, olfactory inspections and some other behaviours did not alter significantly in either sex during the ovarian cycle.
D000818:Animals; D002144:Callithrix; D004970:Estrone / Q000097:blood; D004971:Estrus; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D004970:Estrone; D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone