What is Gammarus for rats? - briefly
Gammarus is a small freshwater crustacean commonly offered as live prey to laboratory rats to encourage natural foraging and supply protein‑rich nutrition. Its use supports behavioral research by providing a realistic dietary stimulus.
What is Gammarus for rats? - in detail
Gammarus, commonly known as freshwater amphipods, serves as a live‑food source for laboratory and pet rats. The organisms provide a protein‑rich diet that closely mimics natural foraging behavior, encouraging chewing activity and improving gastrointestinal motility.
Nutritional profile per 100 g of wet weight:
- Protein: 15–18 g
- Lipids: 4–6 g, including essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA)
- Carbohydrates: 1–2 g
- Minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron
- Vitamins: B‑complex, vitamin A precursors
Practical applications include:
- Supplementing standard rodent chow to increase dietary diversity.
- Reducing monotony in long‑term feeding protocols, which can lower stress‑induced physiological artifacts.
- Providing a source of chitin, which supports gut microbiota health and immune modulation.
Handling guidelines:
- Maintain Gammarus in aerated, temperature‑controlled aquaria (10–15 °C) with a substrate of leaf litter.
- Feed rats a measured portion (approximately 0.5–1 g per animal) to avoid over‑consumption and potential gastrointestinal blockage.
- Observe for signs of spoilage; discard any individuals showing discoloration or lethargy.
Research findings indicate that rats receiving regular Gammarus supplementation exhibit increased body weight gain, enhanced muscle protein synthesis, and improved performance in maze navigation tests compared with control groups fed only dry pellets. No consistent adverse effects have been reported when feeding protocols adhere to recommended quantities.