Estrous Cycle and Temporal Pattern of Feeding in Female Rats

Abstract

The effects of the estrous cycle and access to running wheels on the pattern of feeding were studied in 24 female albino rats using two methods, an indirect method (photocell beam interruption) and a direct observation of feeding. Although aspects of feeding differed with the method, the following results obtained with both methods. A minimum in the number of bursts of feeding and to a lesser extent the duration of bursts of feeding occurred in estrus. The estrous cycle and access-to-running wheel conditions interacted in affecting the organization of bursts into longer meal-taking periods. The results were considered consistent with the notion that estrus raises the threshold of feeding as a response to stimuli.