What is the Burmese rat breed? - briefly
The Burmese rat is a domesticated laboratory strain distinguished by its albino coloration, gentle disposition, and suitability for behavioral and pharmacological studies. It was developed in the United Kingdom during the 1990s to provide a standardized genetic model for research.
What is the Burmese rat breed? - in detail
The Burmese rat is a distinct laboratory strain originally derived from wild‑caught specimens in Myanmar. It is classified as a short‑tailed, albino or pigmented line, depending on the breeding program, and is maintained primarily for toxicology, pharmacology, and genetic research.
Origin and development
- Collected in the 1930s from the Shan State region.
- Early breeding focused on establishing a stable, outbred colony with high reproductive efficiency.
- Subsequent selection introduced specific coat colors (e.g., black, brown) for visual identification in experimental settings.
Physical characteristics
- Body length: 15–20 cm; tail length: 7–9 cm, noticeably shorter than that of standard Sprague‑Dawley or Wistar rats.
- Weight: 250–350 g for adults, with modest sexual dimorphism (males slightly heavier).
- Coat: smooth, dense fur; common variants include albino, black, and agouti.
- Skull morphology: broader rostrum and reduced cranial capacity relative to long‑tailed strains, facilitating certain neurosurgical procedures.
Behavioral profile
- Socially tolerant, forming stable hierarchies with minimal aggression.
- High adaptability to cage environments, exhibiting consistent feeding and grooming patterns.
- Reduced exploratory locomotion, which can be advantageous for studies requiring limited spontaneous movement.
Reproductive traits
- Estrous cycle: 4–5 days, with a gestation period of 21–22 days.
- Litter size: average 8–10 pups, with a weaning age of 21 days.
- Rapid maturation; sexual maturity reached at 6–8 weeks.
Scientific applications
- Toxicology: short tail simplifies dosing and necropsy procedures.
- Immunology: outbred nature provides genetic diversity useful for vaccine efficacy testing.
- Neurology: cranial structure allows easier implantation of intracranial devices.
- Oncology: certain lines develop spontaneous tumors, serving as models for carcinogenesis research.
Health considerations
- Susceptibility to respiratory infections is comparable to other laboratory rats; routine health monitoring is mandatory.
- Dental wear is minimal due to the robust incisor structure, reducing the need for supplemental diet modifications.
- Longevity in controlled environments averages 24–30 months, with a typical experimental lifespan of 12–18 months.
Management recommendations
- Provide standard rodent bedding, nesting material, and a balanced pelleted diet.
- Maintain temperature at 20–24 °C and relative humidity at 40–60 %.
- Implement a 12‑hour light/dark cycle; monitor for signs of stress, particularly during breeding cycles.
Overall, the Burmese rat strain offers a combination of manageable size, distinctive anatomical features, and genetic variability that makes it a valuable resource for a wide range of biomedical investigations.