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.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Animal production
Research Field:	Animal protection (incl. pests and pathogens)
Objective Division:	Animal Production and Animal Primary Products
Objective Group:	Livestock raising
Objective Field:	Sheep for wool
UTAS Author:	Horton, BJ (Dr Brian Horton)
ID Code:	63477
Year Published:	1974
Web of Science® Times Cited:	17
Deposited By:	Agricultural Science
Deposited On:	2010-05-07
Last Modified:	2010-05-07
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