How long does it take a mouse to digest? - briefly
A mouse usually finishes digesting a meal within 4–6 hours, and the entire gastrointestinal transit takes about 12 hours.
How long does it take a mouse to digest? - in detail
Mice process solid food through a rapid gastrointestinal sequence. After ingestion, the stomach retains the bolus for roughly 1–2 hours, during which gastric acids and enzymes begin protein breakdown. Once the chyme passes the pyloric sphincter, it enters the small intestine, where pancreatic secretions and bile continue digestion and nutrient absorption. Transit through the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum typically lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the meal’s composition.
The residual material moves into the cecum and colon, where microbial fermentation occurs. Total passage time from mouth to feces generally ranges from 6 to 8 hours for a standard laboratory diet, but can extend to 12–24 hours when the diet contains high fiber or large particle size.
Key variables influencing the duration:
- Meal size: larger portions increase gastric retention.
- Macronutrient profile: high‑protein or high‑fat meals slow gastric emptying; carbohydrate‑rich meals accelerate it.
- Fiber content: insoluble fiber lengthens colonic transit.
- Ambient temperature: lower temperatures reduce metabolic rate, prolonging digestion.
- Physiological state: stress, illness, or age can modify motility patterns.
Understanding these parameters allows accurate prediction of digestive timelines for experimental and husbandry applications.