Petfood Forum 2016

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Does flavor variety stimulate food intake in kittens? (Room 2502)

20 Apr 16
1:00 PM - 1:40 PM

Tracks: Petfood Forum Full Schedule, Petfood Forum Full Schedule; Petfood Forum Nutrition, Petfood Forum Full Schedule; Petfood Forum Nutrition

Susan Jojola, PhD, behavioral research scientist for basic research at AFB International, shares results of a study in cats examining the role of feeding experience during early life on food intake, growth rate and food selection as adults. While extensive research in humans and other animals suggests food variety tends to promote food intake and flavor monotony has been linked to reduced intake, few studies until now have investigated the effects of variety or consistency of food flavor over a long-term period in cats. Results suggest flavor variety may impact cats differently than rodents or humans, and contribute to our understanding of factors influencing food intake and body weight in cats.