The Impact of Weaning from Breastfeeding on Physiological and Behavioral Development in a Rat Model

Background: Weaning of mammalian progeny is associated with a change in body shape and physical characteristics. It programs growth, body composition, and the tempo of physiological and behavioral development and maturation, as well as litter size and parity and, thereby, reproductive strategy. Methods: To evaluate the impact of weaning from breastfeeding on physiological and behavioral development we use two kinds of tests: 1. Open field test - an experimental test that helps assess motor movement and anxiety versus curiosity in rodents. 2. Object recognition test that tests the ability to identify new objects compared to old ones and in our case tested this memory in the short term. Results: Early weaning showed significantly better motor movement, better curiosity and memory, and less anxiety than late-weaning animals. Conclusions: Animals that are weaned early show better cognitive and behavioral processes on a level of curiosity and mobility with better memory and are less anxious compared to animals that are weaned latez.