Animal Husbandry and Environment Flashcards
6 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Animal Husbandry and Environment flashcards as text
What is the recommended temperature range for housing laboratory mice according to the Guide?
Answer: 64-79 F (17.8-26.1 C)
The Guide recommends 64-79 F (17.8-26.1 C) for most common laboratory rodents. This range is a compromise between human comfort and animal thermoneutral zones.
How often should water bottles in rodent cages typically be changed?
Answer: At least twice per week
Water bottles should be changed at least twice per week to prevent bacterial contamination and biofilm formation.
What is the primary purpose of providing nesting material to laboratory mice?
Answer: To allow thermoregulation and species-typical behavior
Nesting material allows mice to build nests for thermoregulation and provides an outlet for species-typical nesting behavior.
What ventilation system provides HEPA-filtered air to individual cages and maintains cage-level containment?
Answer: Individually ventilated caging (IVC)
IVC systems supply HEPA-filtered air directly to each cage through a manifold and blower unit, maintaining cage-level environmental control.
What is the minimum recommended cage change frequency for rats housed on contact bedding?
Answer: At least once per week
Rat cages with contact bedding should be changed at least once per week to maintain acceptable ammonia levels.
Why is it important to maintain a consistent 12:12 light-dark cycle in rodent housing rooms?
Answer: It synchronizes circadian rhythms critical for physiology and reproduction
A consistent photoperiod synchronizes circadian rhythms that regulate hormonal cycles, reproduction, activity patterns, and immune function.