Abstract
Choice tests using flavored solutions were conducted to demonstrate a learned preference or aversion in rats fed replete (complete) or isoleucine (ILE)-devoid diets. In the first learning trial, rats demonstrated a preference for the flavored solutions paired with the replete diet at 6 and 24 h (p < 0.001), and an aversion for the solutions paired with the ILE-devoid diet at 6 h (p < 0.05). In the second trial, using a different concentration of tastant, rats ingested significantly more of the flavored solution paired with the replete diet at 24 h (11.4 ± 3.0 g vs. 5.4 ± 1.0 g, respectively; p < 0.05), and significantly more of a novel flavored solution than of the solution paired with the ILE-devoid diet at 24 h (12.4 ± 2.4 g vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 g, respectively; p < 0.001). These results suggest that learning contributes to the rat's ability to self-select diets that promote growth, and that a learning paradigm pairing flavored solutions with complete and indispensible amino acid-devoid diets may be used to demonstrate learned preferences and aversions for such diets in rats.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 485-494 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Physiology and Behavior |
Volume | 53 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1993 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Amino acid imbalance
- Dietary choice
- Flavor preference
- Learned aversion
- Learned preference
- Rats
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience