Different diurnal rhythms of protein and non-protein energy intake by rats

Abstract

Rats allowed to self-select dietary constitutents control their intake of protein and energy (calories) independently. Although absolute protein consumption per meal remains almost constant, meal size increases progressively from the mid-light period through the dark period by selective increases in the non-protein content. Hence the composition of selected meals follows a daily rhythm with protein concentration decreasing from light to dark meals. The consistency of these feeding rhythms indicates separate short-term regulation of protein and energy intakes.