A system for the quantitative study of the learning capacity of rainbow trout and its application to the study of food preferences and behaviour

Abstract

A system for the quantitative study of the learning capacity of rainbow trout and its application to the study of food preferences and of behaviour. Groups of trout were self‐trained in about 10 days to actuate a trigger and feed themselves. This capacity was retained for 3 months without the stimulus of continuous reinforcement. Presented with a choice, conditioned populations showed a high degree of discriminatory ability towards a trigger that supplies food and one that does not. The choice system was used to examine preferences for the taste of pelleted foods. A trained population, under continuous illumination developed a feeding rhythm that occurred about every 8 h.