Predictors of social dominance in the adult female golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Adult female golden hamsters exhibit smaller and less pigmented flank glands than do males. Nevertheless, as has been found in male hamsters, variations in these parameters of the flank glands correlate highly (r_s=0·78) with social rank attained in a group of four females. Ovariectomy and subsequent replacement with a graded series of testosterone propionate doses produces a directly related response in the flank gland and in the social rank attained in all-female groups (r_s=0·72). Body weight of females also correlates directly with social status (r_s=0·74), but, when body weight is held constant, social rank can still be predicted from measures of the flank gland. Oestrous-related fluctuations in aggressive behaviour of females did not alter dominance relationships.