Maternal Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology

Pre-Parturient

• Seek isolation
• Restless
• Nesting responses (non-ungulates)
• Attention to vulva

Parturient

• Species differences
• Assist delivery
• Contractions including abdominal muscles
• Characteristic posture
• Vocalisation
• In some species, other animals in the group may assist with parturition.

Post-Parturient

• Placenta eaten in many species including herbivores
• Attention to young (licking)
• Directing young to teats