The perineal scent gland and social dominance in the male guinea pig

The relationship between sebum production of the perineal glands of male guinea pigs and social dominance was examined. Experiment 1 indicated that, while sebum production before social grouping did not predict subsequent position in a dominance hierarchy, sebum production after 6 weeks of group living did reflect relative dominance status with more dominant animals producing larger quantities. Further, social grouping resulted in increased sebum production in all animals. Finally, the frequency of the perineal drag, a scent-marking behavior, was positively related to social status and hence sebum production. In Experiment 2 it was found that changes in dominance status were usually followed by changes in the same direction in sebum production.