Odor-based runway performance as a function of deprivation state, squad size, and subject-rotation procedures

Abstract

The results of a two-phase experiment investigating odor-based alleyway performance of rats are reported. During both phases, two squads (n = 8) received daily double-alternation training. Each squad was composed of two subgroups (n = 4), one food deprived and one water deprived. The water-deprived animals were tested first in one squad, whereas the food-deprived animals were tested first in the second squad. During Phase 2, a daily subject-rotation procedure, under which the last subject in each of the second subgroups was rotated to the initial position in that subgroup, was implemented. Odor-based patterning was developed in Phase 1 only by the subgroup run last within each of the larger squads. Phase 2 rotation failed to disrupt patterned responding in the rotated animals. The results of this experiment support the contention that, even though specific deprivation conditions may have a bearing upon the use of odors as discriminative stimuli, such constraints are certainly not absolute.