Discrimination by rhesus monkeys of diets containing supplemental amino acids.
Following an opportunity to demonstrate a preference for water with or without the addition of the amino acid isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, or tryptophan at a concentration proportional to that in whole egg protein, 9 monkeys were subjected on 4 occasions to a 7-day experimental week when they received an isocaloric diet containing only one-fourth the amount of protein of their normal diet. An identical low-protein diet supplemented with one of the above amino acids, again at a concentration proportional to that in egg, was presented for an equivalent period during the experimental week and the amounts consumed of each diet were compared. Ss failed to exhibit a preference or an aversion for water supplemented with any of the amino acids; however, all low-protein diets supplemented with an amino acid were consumed in greater quantities than a low-protein diet lacking a supplement. On Days 6 and 7 of the experimental weeks when protein depletion was most severe, Ss significantly (p less than .05) preferred the diet supplemented with isoleucine to a diet lacking the supplement.
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D007532:Isoleucine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008715:Methionine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011488:Protein Deficiency / Q000150:complications*; D013649:Taste; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000596:Amino Acids; D007532:Isoleucine; D010649:Phenylalanine; D014364:Tryptophan; D008715:Methionine