The role of olfaction in oil preference in the chicken.

ABSTRACT

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.