FOOD AND WATER-INTAKE IN THE NON-DEPRIVED PIGEON AFTER CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE ADMINISTRATION

Food and water intake were measured in nondeprived pigeons over a 4h period during daytime. Under control conditions, the ratio of food to water intake was approximately 1:1, and both intakes were a simple linera function of time. Chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg, i.m.) doubled the mean amount of food intake, whilst leaving water intake unchanged. This is a first indication that chlordiazepoxide can selectively stimulate appetite for food in an avian species. Some birds showed sedation following a first acute injection; its duration was shortened after repeated injections, and the hyperphagic response to the drug was revealed. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.