“The Role Of Olfactory Cues In Female Mating Choice in Albino Mice Mus Musculus”

Abstract

In some mammalian species, chemical cues are essential in communications among conspecific individuals. Mate choice is facilitated by sexual pheromones, which distinguish and select mates' qualities. However, female mate choice mechanisms still need to be clearly understood. This study evaluated the use of olfactory cues in the mating decision in albino mice Mus musculus. Bedding-based olfactory preference test was used for testing female response toward bedding odorants of preferred and non-preferred males. Female visiting rate and duration of the two odorants of select and non-preferred male bedding were measured. The results showed a significant female preference for bedding scents of preferred males, which correlated with female visiting rate and duration in the live test of mate choice. The results suggest that female mice can evaluate potential mate quality and use olfactory cues in mate choice as females discriminate the scents of preferred male beddings from non-preferred ones.