Dietary self-selection by pregnant and lactating rats

Protein-carbohydrate choice was studied in female rats through the course of the estrus cycle and during pregnancy and lactation. Both selecting and control diet fed animals grew at the same rates. Food intake was reduced during the estrus phase, but there were no changes in the dietary selection pattern. During both pregnancy and lactation protein intake was increased while carbohydrate intake was maintained at a level equal to nonimpregnated controls. These data were interpreted as supporting other studies showing that dietary self-selection follows the varying nutritional requirements of the organism.