How much water does a mouse drink? - briefly
An adult laboratory mouse typically consumes about 5 ml of water per day, with intake ranging from 3 to 7 ml depending on size, diet, and ambient temperature. Water consumption increases when the diet is dry or the environment is warmer.
How much water does a mouse drink? - in detail
Mouse water consumption varies with body mass, metabolic rate, ambient conditions, and diet composition. An adult laboratory mouse weighing approximately 25 g typically drinks between 3 ml and 7 ml of water per day. Under standard housing temperature (20‑22 °C) and with ad libitum access to dry rodent chow, intake averages around 5 ml · day⁻¹.
Factors influencing intake:
- Body size: Larger individuals (30‑35 g) may reach 8 ml · day⁻¹, while smaller juveniles (10‑15 g) consume 1 ml‑3 ml.
- Ambient temperature: Each increase of 5 °C can raise water consumption by 10‑20 % to support evaporative cooling.
- Dietary moisture: Provision of pelleted feed with 10 % moisture reduces drinking volume by up to 40 %; wet food or gel diets may lower intake to less than 1 ml · day⁻¹.
- Activity level: Mice with access to running wheels or enriched environments exhibit modestly higher fluid intake.
- Physiological state: Pregnant or lactating females increase consumption by 30‑50 % to meet reproductive demands.
- Health status: Dehydration, renal impairment, or infection can cause marked fluctuations; monitoring urine specific gravity assists in assessing hydration.
Measurement methods commonly employed in research settings include:
- Gravimetric bottle weighing: Bottles are weighed before and after a 24‑hour period; mass change directly reflects fluid volume (1 g ≈ 1 ml).
- Automated monitoring systems: Sensors record real‑time drinking events, providing frequency and bout duration data.
- Metabolic cages: Simultaneous measurement of water intake, food consumption, and urine output enables calculation of water balance.
Guidelines for husbandry recommend providing fresh water daily, ensuring bottles are free of leaks and contamination. In studies where precise fluid control is required, water can be limited to defined volumes (e.g., 4 ml · day⁻¹) to standardize hydration across groups. Adjustments must consider animal welfare; prolonged restriction below 2 ml · day⁻¹ for adult mice can lead to weight loss and renal stress.
Overall, mouse water intake is a dynamic parameter shaped by physiological and environmental variables. Accurate assessment demands regular monitoring and consideration of diet moisture content, temperature, and animal condition.