How do you raise mice for feed? - briefly
Maintain a controlled environment with cages of 0.5 m² per 20 individuals, temperature 22‑24 °C, 12‑hour light cycle, and provide a high‑protein pellet diet «high‑protein pellet diet» supplemented with fresh water. Implement a breeding schedule, monitor health daily, and harvest juveniles at 4‑6 weeks for optimal feed conversion.
How do you raise mice for feed? - in detail
Raising mice for feed requires controlled breeding, nutrition, housing, and health management.
Begin with a breeding stock selected for rapid growth, high reproductive rate, and disease resistance. Separate breeding pairs in cages with a minimum floor space of 0.05 m² per animal. Provide nesting material such as shredded paper to encourage successful litters.
Nutrition must meet the specific needs of young, fast‑growing rodents. Offer a balanced pelleted diet formulated for laboratory rodents, supplemented with fresh water ad libitum. Include occasional protein sources, for example, boiled egg whites, to boost weight gain during the finishing phase.
Maintain housing conditions within a temperature range of 20‑24 °C and relative humidity of 50‑60 %. Ensure a 12‑hour light/dark cycle to regulate breeding cycles. Clean cages weekly, replace bedding, and disinfect equipment to prevent pathogen buildup.
Implement a health monitoring program. Inspect animals daily for signs of illness, such as lethargy, runted growth, or abnormal discharge. Isolate any suspect individuals immediately and consult a veterinarian experienced with small mammals.
Harvesting should occur when mice reach the target live weight of 20‑30 g, depending on the intended end use. Use humane euthanasia methods approved by relevant animal welfare guidelines, such as CO₂ inhalation followed by cervical dislocation. Process carcasses promptly to preserve nutritional quality.
Key operational steps summarized:
- Select robust breeding pairs; keep them in appropriately sized cages.
- Feed a high‑quality pelleted diet with supplemental protein.
- Regulate temperature, humidity, and photoperiod.
- Conduct weekly cage sanitation and routine health checks.
- Harvest at optimal weight using humane methods.
Adhering to these protocols ensures a consistent supply of nutritionally adequate mice for feed applications.