What should be fed to laboratory rats? - briefly
A nutritionally complete, pelleted rodent chow formulated to meet specific protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral requirements, provided with unlimited fresh water, constitutes the primary diet for laboratory rats. Occasional enrichment with small amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, or specialized treats may be included to promote natural foraging behavior.
What should be fed to laboratory rats? - in detail
Laboratory rodents require a nutritionally balanced diet that supports growth, reproduction, and experimental consistency. The diet must be sterile, low in contaminants, and formulated to meet defined macronutrient and micronutrient levels.
A standard pelleted rodent chow provides the following core components:
- Protein: 18–22 % of calories, derived from soy or casein sources, ensuring adequate essential amino acids.
- Fat: 4–6 % of calories, primarily from vegetable oil, supplying essential fatty acids.
- Carbohydrate: 50–55 % of calories, mainly from corn starch and wheat, delivering energy without excess simple sugars.
- Fiber: 4–5 % of diet, from cellulose, promoting gastrointestinal health.
- Vitamins: inclusion of A, D, E, K, B‑complex, and C at levels meeting National Research Council recommendations.
- Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and trace elements (zinc, copper, iron, manganese, selenium) at precise ratios to prevent deficiencies or toxicities.
- Antioxidants and preservatives: limited to prevent oxidation while avoiding interference with experimental outcomes.
Additional considerations:
- Water: autoclaved or filtered, supplied ad libitum, with mineral content matching diet composition.
- Specialized formulas: for breeding colonies, high‑energy or high‑fat diets may be employed to support gestation and lactation; for metabolic studies, purified diets with defined ingredient sources reduce variability.
- Palatability: inclusion of modest amounts of sucrose or flavor enhancers can improve intake without altering metabolic parameters.
- Storage: sealed containers, stored at 4 °C, protect against moisture and microbial growth.
Routine monitoring of feed intake, body weight, and health indicators ensures the diet continues to meet experimental requirements. Adjustments should be documented and integrated into study protocols.