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 type of bedding should be avoided for rodents due to potential hepatic enzyme induction?
Answer: Cedar and untreated softwood shavings
Cedar shavings and untreated softwood contain aromatic hydrocarbons that can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, potentially altering drug metabolism.
What is the recommended relative humidity range for most laboratory animal housing areas?
Answer: 30-70%
The Guide recommends 30-70% relative humidity. Levels outside this range can cause respiratory problems, ringtail in rodents, or promote microbial growth.
What is the purpose of a sentinel animal program in a laboratory animal facility?
Answer: To detect infectious agents present in the animal colony
Sentinel animals are purposely exposed to soiled bedding to detect infectious agents through periodic serological testing and necropsy.
Why must autoclaved cages cool completely before housing animals?
Answer: Hot surfaces can cause thermal burns and heat stress in animals
Autoclaved cages retain significant heat. Placing animals in hot cages can cause thermal burns to feet and skin, acute heat stress, and potentially death.
What enrichment item serves as both a gnawing substrate and a shelter for mice?
Answer: Cardboard or compressed paper hut
Cardboard or compressed paper huts provide dual enrichment: they serve as shelters and as gnawing/shredding substrates for dental health and natural behaviors.
What is the primary reason for acclimating newly received animals before experiments?
Answer: To allow physiological stabilization after transport stress
Acclimation allows animals to recover from transport stress (altered hormones, immune changes, weight loss) and adjust to the new environment.