NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF PREGNANT AND LACTATING RATS STUDIED BY THE SELFSELECTION METHOD

Abstract

In a previous study the self-selection technic was used to determine the nutritional requirements of normal animals (1,2). Pure substances rather than so-called natural foods or food mixtures were offered for choice. It was found that, given a selection of 11 substances in separate containers (casein, sucrose, olive oil, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate, calcium lactate, potassium chloride, dried baker's yeast, cod liver oil, wheat germ oil, and water), rats made selections which were conducive to excellent growth and normal reproduction. This self-selection technic has now been used to study the nutritional requirements during pregnancy and lactation.