What should be fed to mouse pups? - briefly
Neonatal mouse pups should receive a commercial rodent milk replacer that is high in fat and protein, administered in sterile, warmed aliquots several times daily. After approximately ten days, introduce a soft, nutritionally balanced chow to facilitate gradual weaning.
What should be fed to mouse pups? - in detail
Feeding newborn laboratory mice requires a strict regimen that mirrors the nutritional composition of natural maternal milk while supporting rapid growth and immune development.
The first 24 hours after birth rely on the dam’s milk; if the mother is unavailable, a commercial mouse milk replacer should be administered via a calibrated syringe at 10 µL per pup, repeated every 2–3 hours. The formula must contain:
- 30 % whey protein (casein‑free) to ensure digestibility
- 10 % lactose as the primary carbohydrate source
- 5 % essential fatty acids, including DHA and arachidonic acid
- Trace minerals (zinc, copper, iron) at concentrations matching murine colostrum
- Vitamin A, D3, E, and K at physiological levels
From day 2 to day 7, the volume increases to 20 µL per pup every 2 hours, gradually extending the interval to 4 hours by day 7. At this stage, supplement the diet with a sterile, low‑protein powdered chow (0.5 % protein) dissolved in the milk replacer to stimulate gut maturation.
From day 8 onward, transition to a standard rodent diet formulated for weanlings (18–20 % protein, 5 % fat, 5 % fiber). Provide ad libitum access to fresh, autoclaved water and monitor consumption daily.
Key management points:
- Maintain a constant ambient temperature of 30–32 °C for the first week; reduce by 2 °C each subsequent week.
- Use sterile equipment for all feeding procedures to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Record pup weight daily; a gain of 0.2–0.3 g per day indicates adequate nutrition.
- Adjust feeding volume if weight gain falls below 0.1 g per day, increasing by 10 % per session.
By adhering to these precise nutritional guidelines, mouse neonates achieve optimal growth trajectories, reduced morbidity, and reliable experimental outcomes.