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Food preferences of wild house-mice (Mus musculus L.)*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

F. P. Rowe
Affiliation:
Pest Infestation Control Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey
A. Bradfield
Affiliation:
Pest Infestation Control Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey
R. Redfern
Affiliation:
Pest Infestation Control Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey
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Summary

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The relative acceptance of various plain foods by wild house-mice (Mus musculus L.) was compared in laboratory choice tests. The palatability of glycerine and six oils, each included at 5% in pinhead oatmeal, was compared in a similar manner.

The most favoured food was found to be whole canary seed (Phalaris canariensis). Pinhead oatmeal and wheat were also comparatively well accepted. Glycerine, corn oil, arachis oil and mineral oil were more palatable than either olive, linseed or cod-liver oils.

The results of the choice tests are considered in relation to the use of poison baits for the control of free-living mice.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

References

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