Rabbit Encephalopathy of Prematurity NBA data

Neurobehavioral evaluations were carried out in the early mornings before feeding using a modified neurobehavioral scoring protocol described previously. Evaluations were videotaped and afterwards scored by two observers blinded to the group allocation. The evaluation was in a designated space close to their incubator with auditory and olfactory contamination kept to a minimum. Before handling they remain undisturbed in this assessment area for a 1-3min adaptation period. The motor function (tone, motor activity, and locomotion, righting reflex, and gait) and sensation (touching the whiskers with cotton swab and a mild pin prick to evaluate pain sensation on the hind limbs) including cranial nerves (olfaction, sucking and swallowing and head turn to feeding) was assessed.