Relative Preference of House Mice for Soybeans, Corn and Wheat

Relative Preference of House Mice for Soybeans, Corn and Wheat

"Seven reproductively active male house mice (Mus musculus) were tested to determine their relative preference for soybeans (Glycine max), corn (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Controls were established to minimize or stabilize the influence of the trial chamber, the light source and possible olfactory stimuli within the chamber. Each mouse was tested during three consecutive 20-hour trials. Trials were separated by a 4-hour non-feeding period. All three grains were offered during each trial, with the locations varying randomly from trial to trial. Statistical analysis was based on weight of food consumed and the following conclusions were found significant:
1. All mice consumed comparable amounts of food.
2. The mice exhibited an increase in appetite with time.
3. Wheat was most preferred with corn second; beans were almost never com-
sumed.
4. All seven mice exhibited the same preferences."

Barta, Rick

Biology

Lake Superior State University

1980

Copyright Rick Barta all rights reserved. LSSU use only.

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