What is the Dambo rat breed? - briefly
The Dambo is a recognized fancy‑rat strain noted for its short, rounded ears and compact, muscular build, originally developed in the United Kingdom. Breeders preserve the line through selective mating to maintain its distinctive ear shape and calm temperament.
What is the Dambo rat breed? - in detail
The Dambo rat is a selectively bred variety of fancy laboratory mouse that exhibits distinct physical and behavioral traits. Originating from a small group of hobbyist breeders in the early 2000s, the line was established by crossing albino and agouti stock to produce a medium‑sized rodent with a robust skull and a short, dense coat.
Physical traits
- Adult weight: 120–150 g, slightly larger than standard laboratory mice.
- Coat: short, glossy, predominantly gray‑white with a subtle dorsal stripe.
- Head: broad, with pronounced cheekbones and a short, blunt muzzle.
- Tail: slightly shorter than body length, covered with fine hair.
Temperament and behavior
- Social: readily accepts conspecifics, suitable for group housing.
- Activity: moderate, with bursts of exploration followed by periods of rest.
- Trainability: responds well to simple conditioning tasks, making it a useful model for learning studies.
Housing and husbandry requirements
- Cage size: minimum 450 cm² floor area per animal; enrichment such as nesting material and chew blocks is essential.
- Diet: standard rodent chow supplemented with occasional fresh vegetables; water provided ad libitum.
- Temperature: 20–24 °C; humidity 40–60 %.
- Light cycle: 12 h light/12 h dark, with consistent timing to avoid stress.
Health considerations
- Common issues: respiratory infections (Mycoplasma pulmonis) and occasional dental overgrowth; regular veterinary checks recommended.
- Lifespan: 2–3 years under optimal conditions.
Breeding practices
- Gestation: approximately 21 days; litter size averages 6–8 pups.
- Selection focus: maintain coat uniformity, skull shape, and temperament; avoid inbreeding depression by rotating breeding pairs.
Research applications
- Neuroscience: used in studies of auditory processing due to well‑defined ear morphology.
- Pharmacology: serves as a model for evaluating drug metabolism because of its larger body mass relative to standard mice.
- Behavioral genetics: valuable for assessing the impact of specific gene knockouts on social interaction.
Overall, the Dambo rat represents a stable, well‑characterized strain that combines distinctive morphology with a calm disposition, making it suitable for both scientific investigations and experienced pet owners.