ABSTRACT
The drinking of water and other fluids is a behaviour that occurs at regular and, for many animals, frequent intervals. Accordingly, drinking, like feeding, can be considered a self-regulatory behaviour that contributes to body-water homeostasis. As a consequence drinking behaviour has a relatively high priority in ''motivational time-sharing." Drinking, a behavioural adaptation, and the variable excretion of water by the kidney, a physiological regulation controlled by antidiuretic hormone, are complementary in water balance. From the viewpoint of regulatory physiology, water intake contributes to body-water homeostasis, and drinking behaviour is an example of a self-regulatory behaviour. Most drinking behaviour in the rat is associated with food intake, which is also circadian. The chapter considers water intake associated with feeding and the influence of taste and oral factors. In man, fluids are taken with meals. In the rat, drinking is associated with feeding.
