What is needed from mice and rats? - briefly
Researchers need live specimens, genetic material, and standardized housing conditions to generate reliable data. Ethical approval and rigorous animal‑care protocols are also required.
What is needed from mice and rats? - in detail
Mice and rats are indispensable in biomedical research, toxicology, genetics, and pharmacology. Their utility depends on several critical components that must be provided consistently.
First, a controlled environment is mandatory. This includes temperature regulation (20‑24 °C), relative humidity (40‑60 %), a 12‑hour light/dark cycle, and filtered air to minimize pathogen exposure. Cage design must allow for adequate ventilation, ease of cleaning, and enrichment items such as nesting material, tunnels, and chewable objects to reduce stress and promote natural behavior.
Second, nutrition must meet species‑specific standards. Standard rodent chow should contain balanced macronutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals. For specialized studies, purified diets or custom formulations may be required to control variables such as fat content or specific micronutrients. Continuous access to fresh water, preferably via an automated dispensing system, prevents dehydration and contamination.
Third, health monitoring is essential to maintain colony integrity. Routine checks include:
- Serological testing for common pathogens (e.g., Mycoplasma, Sendai virus, ectromelia)
- Physical examinations for signs of disease or injury
- Parasite screenings (internal and external)
- Record‑keeping of breeding history, genotypes, and experimental use
Fourth, genetic management ensures reproducibility. Breeding strategies should be documented, with clear lineage charts for inbred strains, transgenic lines, or knockout models. Cryopreservation of embryos or sperm provides a backup for valuable genotypes.
Fifth, data collection tools must be compatible with the species. This involves calibrated scales for weight measurement, video tracking systems for locomotor activity, and telemetry devices for physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure). Validation of equipment for small‑animal use prevents measurement errors.
Finally, compliance with ethical and regulatory standards is non‑negotiable. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) or equivalent bodies require detailed protocols covering justification, minimization of pain, humane endpoints, and post‑procedure monitoring. Documentation of all procedures, housing conditions, and health status must be maintained for audits and publication requirements.
Providing these elements in a systematic, documented manner ensures that mice and rats can reliably support scientific objectives while adhering to welfare and quality standards.