Effects of taste preexposure on aversion training to visual cues in chicks (Gallus domesticus)

Two experiments investigated whether or not prior taste experience influenced the utility of telereceptive cues in controlling ingestive behavior. Specifically, these experiments studied the influence of preexposure to taste cues on the effects of aversion training to visual telereceptive cues. In Experiment 1, chicks (n = 52) received preexposure to either clear 2.0% vinegar, clear water, or red-colored water or no preexposure, followed by a pairing of red-colored water and an injection of lithium chloride (LI). Testing with red water showed that preexposure to vinegar produced a reliably slower latency to start drinking than did preexposure to clear water or no preexposure which, in turn, differed reliably from the effects of preexposure to red water. The vinegar-preexposed group drank reliably less red water than did the red water-preexposed group. Experiment 2 investigated whether or not similarity between preexposure and aversion training contexts influenced the effects of taste preexposure on the results of visual aversion training. Chicks (n = 60) received pretraining exposure to clear 2.0% vinegar, clear water, or no preexposure in a context that was similar or different from that of aversion training, which occurred with red water. Testing with red water showed that preexposure to vinegar in a context similar to that of aversion training yielded reliably slower latency to start drinking than did either preexposure to clear water or no preexposure or preexposure in a context different from that of training. Results of the intake measure were consistent with the latency data, but were not reliable.