Teat preference for suckling in common marmosets: relationship to side of being carried and hand preference.

Mother-infant interaction in common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus jacchus ) was scored for the first 60 days post parturition. Teat preference was compared to hand preference for picking up and holding food over the same ages and at 18 months. All infants, except one, exhibited strong preferences for one of the mother's teats. Preference for a teat was maintained when twins suckled separately as well as together. Infants suckled separately for a mean 42% of the time of all suckling bouts being observed. There was a significant correlation between teat preference and the side of being carried by the mother. This correlation was maintained despite the fact that the father also carried the infants. There was no significant relationship between teat preference and hand preference from 0 to 2 months or later life.