Influence of early nutritional experience on adult diet choice in the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis

Abstract

Evidence for food imprinting in Norway rats is conflicting. Postweaned litters of the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis, were condition-fed on different foods for fixed periods. Later, as adults, they were tested for food imprinting. Rats exposed to rice, ragi, and standard feed during their infancy preferred these foods to others. A preference for rice developed early in life did not wane. The duration of infant exposure did not affect the formation and retention of preferences. It is suggested that food imprinting may occur after weaning.