Rats' preferences for corn versus wood-based bedding and nesting materials

Corn by-products can be used as bedding and nesting products. Corn-cob bedding resists ammonia build-up and corn-husk nesting material resists dampness. It is not clear whether these advantages are at the expense of animal comfort. Corn cob was compared to aspen chip bedding, and corn husk to paper strip nesting material. Data from 20 rats with differential early bedding experience suggested that they prefer aspen chip, but are also biased towards the bedding they were raised on. Data from 10 rats with no prior nesting material experience suggested that paper strip was preferred over cornhusk. Thus, corn-cob products are not recommended except in situations where air quality and/or flooding are significant problems.