How are rats bred? - briefly
Rats are usually bred in controlled environments where selected males and females are housed together in cages with suitable bedding, nutrition, and lighting to encourage mating. After about three weeks, the pups are weaned and separated by sex to manage future breeding cycles.
How are rats bred? - in detail
Rats are bred through a controlled mating system that balances genetic diversity, health standards, and production goals. Breeding pairs are selected based on phenotype, genotype, and performance records. Desired traits—such as coat color, size, temperament, or disease resistance—guide the choice of sire and dam. Genetic compatibility tests reduce the risk of hereditary defects.
The breeding cycle begins with a proven female entering estrus, identified by a swollen vulva and increased activity. Mating occurs when a male is introduced for a period of 24–48 hours, allowing multiple copulations to increase conception likelihood. After successful mating, the female is isolated to prevent additional breeding and to monitor gestation.
Gestation lasts approximately 21–23 days. During this phase, the female receives a high‑calorie diet enriched with protein, vitamins, and minerals to support fetal development. Environmental conditions—temperature 20–24 °C, humidity 45–55 %, and low noise—are maintained to minimize stress.
Upon birth, litters range from 6 to 12 pups. Newborns are kept with the dam for the first three weeks, during which they receive maternal care and nutrition from milk. Litters are inspected daily for signs of illness, and any mortality is recorded. At 21 days, pups are weaned onto a solid diet, separated by sex, and moved to individual cages for growth monitoring.
Record‑keeping tracks each animal’s lineage, health interventions, and performance metrics. Breeders use this data to adjust pairings, eliminate carriers of undesirable genes, and improve overall colony vigor. Regular health screenings—including parasite checks, serology, and physical examinations—prevent disease outbreaks and maintain a robust breeding population.