DIETARY VARIETY ENHANCES MEAL SIZE IN GOLDEN-HAMSTERS

The effect of dietary variety on meal size was investigated in golden hamsters. Hamsters ate meals (four courses X 12 min/course) in which e ither the same food was offered in all four courses (one of powdered P urina chow, shortcake cookie, process cheddar cheese, or milk chocolat e) or four different foods were offered in successive courses. Total e nergy intake was significantly greater in the variety condition than i n any of the single-food conditions. Thus, although previous research indicates that the meal size of hamsters is relatively resistant to ch ange, hamsters do increase meal size in response to dietary variety. T his finding indicates that the satiety mechanisms of golden hamsters s hare at least some important features with those of other species.