Primary Assay — Prairie Vole
Social Investigation
Microtus ochrogaster
Voles investigate conspecifics through anogenital sniffing, side-by-side contact, and head-to-head interaction. Investigation duration indexes social motivation and recognition.

Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Microtus ochrogaster.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation duration | s | Active social contact |
| Anogenital sniff time | s | Identity assessment |
| Approach latency | s | Social motivation |
| Aggression events | count | Agonism |
References
Citations for Social Investigation
- DeVries AC, et al. (1996). Modulation of pair bonding in female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) by corticosterone. Proc Natl Acad Sci, 93(21), 11980-11984. PMID: 8876248
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Prairie Vole Research
3-Chamber Partner Preference Arena
Pair-bond quantification
USV Recording Microphone Array
Vocal communication
Home-Cage Video Tracking
Cohabitation behavior
Open-Field Arena
Anxiety-like measures
Pup-Retrieval Test Cage
Parental care
Related Assays
Other Prairie Vole Primary Assays

12
Partner Preference Test
Microtus ochrogaster
After cohabitation, prairie voles show selective huddling with the bonded partner over a novel stranger in a 3-chamber a…

12
Pair-Bond Formation (Cohabitation)
Microtus ochrogaster
Pair-bonds form rapidly after 24 h of mating or 6 h with mating, modulated by oxytocin and vasopressin. Cohabitation dur…

12
Parental Care
Microtus ochrogaster
Both prairie vole parents provide care, including pup retrieval, hovering, and licking. Time-on-pups and retrieval laten…
Run Social Investigation on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your prairie vole facility.