Behavioural influences of dominant, isolated and subordinated male mice on female socio-sexual preferences

The study examines the socio-sexual preferences of mature sexually receptive females in oestrus when given the opportunity to choose, in a binary choice test situation, from dominant, subordinated and isolated male mice. The isolates and dominants were equally attractive to females, which could be interpreted as further evidence that these males are comparable. Neither group was preferred to subordinates. Dominants and isolates showed higher levels of sexual activities than did subordinated mice. Dominants proved pre-eminent in sexual activities, and displayed the most sex-related aggression (i.e. aggressive acts directed towards females before mating). Isolated mice varied more in their responses towards the females. It is very interesting to note that some isolated mice did not perform any sexual activities or sex-related aggression.