Macronutrient choice of BTBR.NZW mice congenic for a 21-gene region of chromosome 17

► NZW/LacJ mice eat more carbohydrate and less fat than do BTBR T+tf/J mice. ► A congenic line with a BTBR/NZW region introgressed on chromosome 17 was generated. ► The congenic mice behave like NZW mice; thus this region confers diet preference. ► The introgressed region contains 21 genes of which Itpr3 is a strong candidate. ► Perhaps a mutation in Itpr3 influences nutrient choice by disrupting taste perception.