The Influence of pH on Fluid Tolerance and Preferences

THE broad generalization has been established that the fowl has a sense of taste. An extensive discussion of the subject is offered by Engelmann (1957). The effect of taste on feed and fluid intake has been reported by Kare and Pick (1960). Further elucidation of this subject appears warranted. A series of experiments was designed to determine if chicks will discriminate between acid and alkaline solutions and to define, precisely, the influence of pH on acceptance, rejection, or preference. MATERIALS AND METHODS These experiments were conducted using the methods described by Kare et al. (1957). They were carried out in a special building where the environment was kept relatively constant. Light was provided from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Barred Plymouth Rock-Rhode Island Red cross-bred day-old cockerels from a single hatchery were used. Sixteen chicks per pen for the first eight experiments and thereafter ten chicks per pen were placed …