How should Dambo rats be properly bred? - briefly
Provide a high‑fiber, low‑fat diet, house each rat in at least 0.5 m² of cage space with nesting material, maintain ambient temperature at 18‑22 °C, and perform regular health checks; separate males and females after weaning to avoid inbreeding and control litter size.
How should Dambo rats be properly bred? - in detail
Proper breeding of Dambo rats demands attention to genetics, environment, nutrition, health monitoring, and record‑keeping.
Select breeding pairs based on complementary traits such as coat color, size, temperament, and health history. Verify that each animal is free of hereditary defects by reviewing veterinary reports and conducting genetic screenings when available. Avoid inbreeding by maintaining a coefficient of relationship below 0.125; rotate sires across multiple litters to preserve genetic diversity.
Provide a stable enclosure that mimics natural conditions. Use solid‑bottom cages with ample floor space (minimum 0.5 sq ft per adult), nesting material, and separate breeding compartments to prevent unwanted mating. Maintain temperature between 68–75 °F and relative humidity of 40–60 %. Ensure a 12‑hour light/dark cycle to support circadian rhythms.
Supply a balanced diet formulated for laboratory rodents, enriched with protein (18–20 %), essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Offer fresh water ad libitum and supplement with occasional treats such as boiled egg or fruit to boost reproductive performance. Monitor food intake; reduced consumption may signal illness or stress.
Implement a health protocol that includes weekly physical examinations, fecal parasite checks, and quarterly serological testing for common rodent pathogens. Isolate new arrivals for at least two weeks before introduction to the breeding group. Treat any illness promptly and document outcomes.
Follow a defined breeding schedule. Detect estrus by observing vaginal swelling and increased activity; breed within 24–48 hours of detection. Record mating dates, pair identifiers, and expected parturition. Anticipate a gestation period of 21–23 days; prepare a clean, low‑stress nesting area for the dam at day 18.
After birth, weigh pups daily and ensure they receive adequate maternal care. Initiate weaning at 21 days, separating juveniles into age‑appropriate groups with identical nutrition. Continue health assessments and transition juveniles to the breeding colony only after confirming maturity and disease‑free status.
Maintain comprehensive logs covering lineage, dates, litter size, pup survival, and any health interventions. Use these records to analyze breeding efficiency, identify trends, and adjust selection criteria. Regular review of data supports continual improvement of the breeding program.