How should kefir be given to a rat? - briefly
Kefir is best delivered orally by mixing 0.5–1 ml per 100 g of body weight into the rat’s regular feed or drinking water, administered once daily. Use fresh, low‑fat kefir and observe the animal for any adverse reactions before adjusting the dose.
How should kefir be given to a rat? - in detail
When introducing kefir to a laboratory rat, follow a reproducible protocol that addresses preparation, dosage, administration route, schedule, and observation.
Prepare the product. Use commercially available kefir or freshly cultured kefir with a known microbial composition. Filter through a 0.22 µm membrane to remove large particles, then dilute in sterile, de‑ionized water to achieve a final concentration of 10 % (v/v). Keep the mixture at 4 °C and use within 24 hours to preserve viability.
Determine the dose. Typical studies employ 0.5–2 ml of the 10 % solution per 100 g body weight, corresponding to 5–20 ml kg⁻¹. Adjust the volume according to the animal’s weight measured on the day of administration.
Select the delivery method. The most reliable technique is oral gavage, which ensures precise intake. Use a feeding needle appropriate for the rat’s size (e.g., 20‑gauge, 2 in. length). Insert the needle gently along the palate, avoiding the trachea, and deliver the calculated volume in a single, steady motion.
Establish the schedule. Administer kefir once daily, preferably at the same time each day, to maintain a consistent circadian rhythm. Continue the regimen for the intended experimental period, typically 2–4 weeks, unless interim data dictate modification.
Monitor the subjects. Record body weight, food and water consumption, and any signs of gastrointestinal distress (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting). Conduct periodic fecal sampling to verify colonization by kefir‑derived microbes. If adverse effects appear, reduce the dose or discontinue treatment.
Document all parameters. Include strain of kefir, preparation date, storage conditions, exact volume administered, animal weight, and any deviations from the protocol. Comprehensive records enable reproducibility and facilitate interpretation of outcomes.