How to feed white mice? - briefly
Offer a nutritionally complete rodent pellet as the staple diet, complemented by small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein sources such as boiled egg or mealworms; keep fresh water accessible at all times. Feed adults once or twice daily, monitor portion size to prevent obesity, and replace food and water regularly to maintain hygiene.
How to feed white mice? - in detail
Feeding white laboratory mice requires a balanced diet, consistent schedule, and careful monitoring of intake and health indicators.
A standard laboratory mouse diet consists of a nutritionally complete pellet or mash formulated to provide approximately 18–20 % protein, 4–5 % fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. Commercially prepared rodent chow meets these specifications and should be stored in a cool, dry environment to preserve nutrient stability.
Key feeding practices include:
- Provision of food: Offer ad libitum access to the diet unless experimental protocols dictate restriction. Ensure food containers are clean and free of bedding debris.
- Water supply: Provide fresh, filtered water continuously. Use sipper tubes or bottles with metal caps to prevent contamination.
- Feeding schedule: Check food and water levels at least twice daily. Record consumption to detect sudden changes.
- Nutrient supplementation: Introduce specific additives (e.g., vitamin D, calcium, or omega‑3 fatty acids) only when required by the study design or to correct documented deficiencies.
- Special diets: For breeding colonies, lactating females, or juveniles, employ high‑energy formulas with increased protein (up to 25 %) and fat (up to 10 %). Weanlings may require softened mash or gel diets for easier ingestion.
- Monitoring health: Observe body weight weekly; a deviation of more than 10 % from expected growth curves warrants dietary review. Inspect feces for abnormal consistency, which can signal digestive issues.
When transitioning mice to a new diet, implement a gradual change over 3–5 days by mixing increasing proportions of the new feed with the current one. This minimizes gastrointestinal upset and preserves gut microbiota balance.
Record all feeding parameters in the animal management system, including batch numbers of chow, water changes, and any supplemental items. Accurate documentation supports reproducibility and welfare compliance.