The role of olfaction in oil preference in the chicken.
The role of olfaction on the preference of diets containing 20% medium-chain (MCT) or long-chain triacylglycerol (LCT) was investigated in the chicken. Olfactory bulbectomized, sham-operated (Sham) or intact (Intact) birds were offered a choice between LCT or MCT diet and food intake was measured over a short time period. Intact and Sham groups showed a significant preference for LCT over MCT diet, but olfactory-bulbectomized chickens lost the preference for LCT over MCT. The bilateral cutting of the olfactory nerves confirmed the results taken in olfactory bulbectomy. It is concluded that olfaction plays a major role in the preference of diets containing MCT or LCT in chickens.
Mabayo
R T
RT
Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, School of Agriculture, Nagoya University, Japan.
Okumura
J
J
Hirao
A
A
Sugita
S
S
Sugahara
K
K
Furuse
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009821:Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009830:Olfactory Bulb / Q000502:physiology*; D009832:Olfactory Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D012903:Smell / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
D009821:Oils; D014280:Triglycerides