Neophobia and its effect on the macro-structure and micro-structure of feeding in wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1995
Authors:Brunton, CFA
Journal:Journal of Zoology
Volume:235
Pagination:223-236
Date Published:1995
ISBN Number:1469-7998
Keywords:Rattus norvegicus
Abstract:

The effect of neophobia (fear of novelty) on feeding behaviour was examined in two groups of captive wild rats fed ad libitum. Different individuals employed different feeding patterns in response to novelty despite the absence of social and ecological constraints. The prevalent feeding pattern was to delay eating from a novel bowl several nights after it was introduced and, in general, novel food was sampled towards the end of a night. Systematic relationships (prandial correlations) were revealed in the meal pattern data which were consistent with the prediction that post-prandial correlations (controlled regular feeding bouts) are more likely in predictable environments. A large proportion of the individuals exhibited no prandial relationships which correlated with high levels of neophobia supporting the hypothesis that highly neophobic individuals are less able to regulate their feeding in the presence of novelty.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb05139.x
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