How often should mice be fed? - briefly
Adult laboratory mice are generally given food ad libitum for continuous access, while juveniles are offered measured portions three to four times daily to support proper growth.
How often should mice be fed? - in detail
Feeding frequency for laboratory and pet mice depends on the purpose of the colony, the age of the animals, and the type of diet provided. Continuous access to food (ad libitum) is the standard practice for most breeding and maintenance colonies. In this regime, food is available at all times, eliminating the need for scheduled meals and ensuring that individuals can meet their energetic requirements without restriction.
When a restricted feeding protocol is required—such as in metabolic studies, obesity research, or weight‑control breeding programs—food is offered at defined intervals. Typical schedules include:
- One meal per day, provided during the early dark phase when mice are most active.
- Two meals per day, spaced approximately 12 hours apart, to maintain more stable blood glucose levels.
- Multiple small portions (three to four) for juvenile or lactating mice, matching their higher metabolic demand.
Key variables influencing the chosen schedule:
- Age: Neonates and weanlings require frequent, small meals; adult mice tolerate once‑daily feeding.
- Strain: High‑metabolism strains (e.g., C57BL/6) may benefit from additional feeding opportunities compared with slower‑metabolizing strains.
- Reproductive status: Pregnant or lactating females need increased caloric intake, often supplied through ad libitum access or supplemental meals.
- Experimental design: Studies involving circadian rhythms or nutrient timing demand precise control of feeding windows.
Practical implementation guidelines:
- Measure the daily food allotment based on body weight (approximately 3–5 g of standard chow per 30 g mouse) and adjust for specific dietary formulations.
- Record consumption at each feeding to detect under‑ or over‑eating, which may signal health issues.
- Provide fresh water continuously; dehydration can confound feeding behavior.
- Maintain consistent lighting cycles (12 h light/12 h dark) to align feeding times with natural activity periods.
In summary, unrestricted feeding remains the default for most mouse colonies, while scheduled feeding—once or twice daily—serves specialized research needs. Selection of an appropriate regimen requires consideration of age, strain, physiological state, and experimental objectives.