Diurnal variation in the feeding pattern of rabbits

Laboratory rabbits maintained under controlled lighting and fed ad libitum exhibit a weak but consistent diurnal fluctuation in feed intake. There are two major periods of eating; at the beginning and the end of the light period. This results in similar feed consumption for the light and dark periods. Water intake shows a similar diurnal variation to that of feed intake. If the normal lighting cycle is retarded by 6 hours, the animals adjust their diurnal rhythm of feeding behaviour to the new lighting cycle within 8 to 15 days. Comparative studies on rats are included. © 1974.