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Abstract
The effects of male-mouse ultrasonic vocalizations on female preference behavior were
investigated using Swiss-Webster mice. Intact females spent more time with an intact
tethered male than with a devocalized tethered male during 3-min preference tests.
Female preference behavior was similar during estrus and diestrus; but, a preference
for the vocalizing male was absent after ovariectomy, and returned following replacement
treatment with ovarian hormones. Similar effects on female behavior were obtained
using synthetic 70 kHz ultrasounds presented behind one of two devocalized tethered
males during preference tests. The results indicate that ultrasounds maintain the
female close to the vocalizing male and may facilitate copulation.