Food intake control in birds

Abstract

The regulation of food intake has been a topic of intense investigation for several decades. Most investigators have used the rat in such studies while considerably fewer studies have been conducted using birds. Research concerned with the control of food intake in birds is discussed herein. In most instances, birds and mammals have similar control mechanisms. The alimentary tract and the liver are peripheral structures which function in the control of feeding in birds but much remains to be studied as to their role. Many brain loci, including the lateral hypothalamus, ventromedial hypothalamus, striatum and olfactory bulbs are also involved in controlling food intake. Studies with birds have revealed marked breed and line differences in the response to factors modulating food intake. The bird appears to provide an excellent model for studies designed to investigate how selection for growth can alter the mechanisms involved in food intake control.