TASTE PREFERENCE BEHAVIOR IN LONG-EVANS RATS AND EGYPTIAN SPINY MICE

Taste preferences for representatives of the four taste qualities and the taste of MSG were assessed for Long-Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus) and Egyptian spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus). The rats preferred hedoni c concentrations of all salty and sweet tastants, as well as the taste of MSG, and rejected sour and bitter tastants. The spiny mice preferr ed water to salty tastants, approached some concentrations of sweet ta stants, and rejected all others-including those readily ingested by ra ts.