EFFECTS OF OLFACTORY BULBECTOMY ON FEEDING-BEHAVIOR IN PIGS

The effect of removal of the olfactory bulbs on feeding behaviour has been investigated using eight young pigs aged 2-3 months. The pigs were trained to obtain all their food, which was available ad libitum, by means of a simple operant response - pushing a panel switch with their snouts. A fixed ratio of 5 responses to one reward (F.R.5) schedule of reinforcement was used, and the animals' total daily food intake and pattern of feeding were recorded. The effect of olfactory bulbectomy was examined by comparison of feeding records taken before and after the operation. Bulbectomy did not significantly alter the total daily food intake or increase the variation in daily intake. Bulbectomy did not induce a persistent pattern of nibbling at the food as it does in rats, and the pigs ate discrete meals both before and after bulbectomy. © 1979.