Research Note: Behavioral preference and conditioned taste aversion to oleic acid solution in chickens.

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Sensory Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Chickens possess the GPR120 fatty acid taste receptor in oral tissues.
• Chickens exhibit a preference for lipid-rich feed.
• The ability of chickens to detect fatty acids via taste remains unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate chickens' gustatory perception of oleic acid.
• To determine if chickens can detect fatty acids through taste.
• To explore the role of gustation in chickens' preference for dietary lipids.

Main Methods:

• One-bowl drinking test to assess preference for oleic acid solutions.
• Conditioned taste aversion test to evaluate gustatory detection of oleic acid.
• Calcium imaging to confirm GPR120 activation by oleic acid.

Main Results:

• Chickens did not show a preference for oleic acid solutions across various concentrations (0.001–30 mmol/L).
• 30 mmol/L oleic acid activated the GPR120 receptor, confirmed by Ca2+ imaging.
• Chickens learned to avoid oleic acid solutions after conditioning, indicating gustatory detection.

Conclusions:

• Chickens possess gustatory perception of oleic acid but lack a preference for it.
• Fatty acid taste detection contributes to chickens' preference for lipid-rich feed, alongside postingestive factors.