What is included in the diet of mice? - briefly
Mice eat a combination of grains, seeds, fruits, insects, and occasional plant matter, typically supplemented with laboratory chow formulated from corn, soy, and essential vitamins and minerals.
What is included in the diet of mice? - in detail
Mice are omnivorous rodents whose nutritional intake consists of a wide range of macronutrients and micronutrients essential for growth, reproduction, and metabolic homeostasis. In laboratory settings, the standard chow provides a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Protein sources: soymeal, casein, whey, and animal-derived meals supply essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. Typical protein content ranges from 14 % to 20 % of the diet by weight.
- Carbohydrates: corn starch, wheat flour, and sucrose serve as primary energy substrates. Complex carbohydrates contribute dietary fiber, aiding gastrointestinal motility.
- Fats: vegetable oils (corn, soybean) and animal fats deliver essential fatty acids, including linoleic and α‑linolenic acids. Fat levels are usually maintained between 4 % and 6 % of the total formulation.
- Fiber: cellulose, oat hulls, and beet pulp provide insoluble fiber, while inulin and pectin supply soluble fiber, supporting gut microbiota diversity.
- Vitamins: A, D3, E, K, B‑complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, cobalamin, biotin, folic acid) are added in calibrated amounts to prevent deficiency syndromes.
- Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and iodine are incorporated as salts or chelates to satisfy physiological requirements.
- Additives: antioxidants (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene), preservatives, and occasional palatable enhancers (e.g., sucrose or flavor extracts) improve shelf life and intake consistency.
Wild mice supplement this base diet with natural foraging items: seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, carrion, and plant material. Seasonal variations influence the proportion of each component, with higher seed consumption in autumn and increased insect intake during warm months.
Nutrient density and balance are critical; excess protein can strain renal function, while inadequate calcium-phosphorus ratios impair skeletal development. Continuous monitoring of feed composition ensures reproducibility in experimental research and optimal health in captive colonies.