Selection of a solution containing histidine by rats fed a histidine-imbalanced diet

Male albino rats were fed a low-protein control diet, a histidine-imbalanced diet (low histidine), or a corrected diet (adequate histidine) and given a choice of drinking from 2 bottles, containing either water or a histidine solution. Ss fed the imbalanced diet drank more of the histidine solution whereas Ss fed the control or corrected diets drank more water than histidine solution. Results indicate that Ss can clearly select between 2 solutions to obtain a specific nutrient (an amino acid) that improves their diet. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).