Lab Animal Science Mgt and Tech (Lecture 5)

What is Systematics?

• Branch of biology concern with the diversity of life

• Encompasses taxonomy, which is the identification and classification of species

  • This system was developed by Linnaeus (18th Century) who named 11,000 species (2 parts)

What is binomial nomenclature?

The system of using two-part names to name species

“Genus + Epithet”

Most common binomial nomenclature?

Rattus Norvegicus (black rat)

What is the first domesticated animal for lab animal science?

The rat (more docile than mice)

What makes a species?

Species exist in nature as distinct biological units, bonded by interbreeding and bounded by reproductive isolating mechanisms

Difference between outbred and inbred nomenclature?

Outbred has a colon and inbred has a forward slash

What is an inbred strain?

The product of sister x brother mating for 20 or more consecutive filial generations

True or False: Rats can’t vomit

True.

***When rats are under anesthesia, we don’t have to worry about vomit being inhaled into the lungs!!!!

What is Porphyrin in rats?

A red/reddish-brown substance around the eyes or nose in rats that is stress or pain-related

What kind of feeding allows animals to always have access to food?

Ad Libitum

What is the sexual maturity of rats?

6-8 weeks

True or False: Rats are induced ovulators.

False. They are spontaneous ovulators

What is pseudopregnancy?

False pregnancy.

Estrus duration?

For 12 hours, every 4-5 days

Do male rats or female rats decrease in fertility earlier?

Male rats (16-20 months) => females decrease around 20-22 months

How do we figure out if a female rat has bred the day of?

A sperm swab, or if they have a plug in the vagina

True or False: Rats form monogamous pairs.

True.

Most common breeding among rats?

Polygamous breeding

What is the recommended amount of light for rats?

12-16/24 hours

How long does parturition last in rats?

1-2 hours

How many pups do rats have on average?

8-14 pups