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A source of cutaneous maternal semiochemicals in the mink?

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Summary

Unique hypertrophic apocrine sweat glands are described in the neck, perineal and inguinal skin of mink kits. These glands enlarge after birth, only to regress rapidly and become vestigal by weaning. No similar phenomenon has been recognized before in mammals. Behavioral studies indicate a possible role for the glandular secretion in maternal recognition of the young.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada

    J. A. Yager & D. B. Hunter

  2. Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada

    M. R. Wilson

  3. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada

    O. B. Allen

Authors
  1. J. A. Yager
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  2. D. B. Hunter
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  3. M. R. Wilson
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  4. O. B. Allen
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Yager, J.A., Hunter, D.B., Wilson, M.R. et al. A source of cutaneous maternal semiochemicals in the mink?. Experientia 44, 79–81 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01960256

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01960256

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