Temperature preference of drinking water in rats.
The water temperature preference of adult male albino rats was studied. Deprived and normally hydrated animals were exposed at peak hours of consumption to a choice between 12 degrees C and 30 degrees C water or to 12 degrees C and 34 degrees C water. Food intake was not restricted. There was a clear preference for the warmer water. It is concluded that oropharyngeal temperature cues influence water intake.
D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003463:Cues; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000502:physiology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D013696:Temperature; D013697:Thermosensing / Q000502:physiology; D014868:Water Deprivation