Abstract
The two-choice preference test technique was used to study taste responses in sheep. Data were reported on responses to various sugars, sodium saccharin, ethyl alcohol and various salts. Tests with sugars and saccharin showed adequately fed sheep to be on the average essentially indifferent to compounds evoking sweet taste sensations, although individual sheep showed pronounced preferences for some sugars. The upper discrimination thresholds (UDT), 60% intake, for glucose and sucrose were estimated to be at concentrations of 5 (.28 M) and 5% (.13 M), respectively. The lower discrimination threshold (LDT), 40% intake, for sucrose was estimated to be at a concentration of 15% (.44 M). The preference threshold (PRT), 80% intake, was never reached with any of the taste stimulants used in this study. Concentrations at the LDT and the rejection threshold (RET), 20% intake, for NaCl were .25 (.043 M) and 2.2% (.38 M), in the same order. The RET concentrations for the sodium salts of acetate, propionate and butyrate were lower than for NaCl. Copyright © 1970. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1970 by American Society of Animal Science