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

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.