Prenatal protein malnutrition and visual discrimination learning in the sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps

Abstract

We studied the effects of prenatal protein malnutrition on visual discrimination learning in males of Petaurus breviceps using a Lashley box. Gliders were malnourished or adequately nourished during the prenatal period when their mothers received diets containing low (8%) or adequate (32%, controls) amounts of a protein (casein) throughout pregnancy. The mean weight of adequately nourished neonates was significantly higher (0.47 g ± 0.05 SE) than malnourished neonates (0.31 ± 0.02 g). Animals were first trained to discriminate between black or white stimulus cards affixed to 2 hinged doors. Second, cards containing horizontal or vertical stripes were presented. Finally, cards containing a circle or a square were presented. Gliders received food if they pushed through the door with the correct stimulus card and jumped onto a vertical platform. Malnourished (low-protein) subjects made significantly more errors on all tasks. Analyses of covariance indicated that differences in performance were not a function of body weight.