Oxytocin mediates the acquisition of filial, odor-guided huddling for maternally-associated odor in preweanling rats

► Oxytocin mediates social behaviors in adults, but is largely unexplored in infants. ► We examined oxytocin roles in pup's filial huddling preference for maternal odor. ► Manipulation of central oxytocin revealed its necessity for this pup's learning. ► This manipulation also affected contact cohesion among mother and pups. ► Oxytocin mediates pup's filial preference neuroendocrinologically and behaviorally.