How long do long‑lived rats live? - briefly
Long‑lived laboratory rats usually survive 30–36 months, and exceptional individuals of certain strains can reach up to 40 months when housed under optimal conditions.
How long do long‑lived rats live? - in detail
Long‑lived laboratory rats typically survive 30 % longer than standard strains. Conventional Sprague‑Dawley or Wistar rats reach 2.5–3 years under optimal conditions; genetically selected longevity lines, such as the “UCL‑Long‑Life” cohort, routinely attain 4 years, with occasional individuals exceeding 4.5 years.
Key factors influencing extended survival include:
- Genetic selection – breeding for delayed onset of age‑related pathologies.
- Dietary regimen – calorie‑restricted or nutritionally balanced feeds reduce metabolic stress.
- Environment – stable temperature, low noise, enriched enrichment minimize chronic stress.
- Health monitoring – regular veterinary checks, prophylactic treatments for common infections.
Record‑holding specimens have been documented at 5 years, representing the upper limit observed in controlled settings. Mortality curves for these rats show a slower increase in death rate after the second year, contrasting with the steep rise seen in standard lines.
In summary, exceptional rat strains can live up to 4–5 years, roughly double the lifespan of typical laboratory rodents, when provided with optimal genetics, nutrition, and husbandry.