Abstract

This study evaluates amaranth as an alternative to reinforcers which are currently used in experimental laboratories with rodents. We compared some elements such as consumer preference, motivation and reinforcing value of three types of food (two types of pellets and amaranth) through four experiments with free radial maze and free consumption in 11 Wistar rats. The results show that amaranth has a high reinforcing value. Also, there was a preference for amaranth consumption compared with the other two reinforcers. Amaranth is proposed as a good alternative for use as a reinforcer with several advantages such as consumer preference, its reinforcing value, accessibility in the country and that it is cheaper than the usual pellets.