Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
05:52
Hyponeophagia: A Measure of Anxiety in the Mouse
Published on: May 17, 2011
Avoidance of hydrolyzed casein by mice.
Kristin L Field1, Bruce A Kimball, Julie A Mennella
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. kfield@monell.org
Physiology & Behavior
|September 29, 2007
Summary
Mice avoid foods containing hydrolyzed casein (HC), a milk protein derivative, similar to deer. This study suggests mice are a valuable model for understanding the mechanisms behind HC rejection in animals.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hydrolyzed casein (HC) in foods can be unpalatable, leading to rejection in humans.
- This rejection has also been observed in non-human species like deer (Odocoileus spp.).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mice (Mus musculus) avoid HC-containing foods.
- To determine if testing conditions (food form and access) influence HC avoidance in mice.
Main Methods:
- Two-choice feeding tests comparing HC with intact casein diets at varying protein concentrations (0-50%).
- Experimental groups varied in food form (powder, pellet, dough) and access (ad libitum, restricted).
Main Results:
- Mice avoided HC diets starting at 30% protein concentration under specific conditions.
- Strong avoidance of HC was observed across all groups at 40% and 50% protein levels.
- Testing conditions affected caloric intake and weight gain but not high-concentration HC avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Mice exhibit avoidance of HC-containing foods, particularly at higher concentrations.
- Mice may serve as a suitable model organism for elucidating the mechanisms of HC rejection.
