Chapter 7: Lab Animal Environment - Micro & Macro Factors in Animal Care, Aquarium Water Quality and Biosecurity: pH, Salinity, and Filtration

What is the microenvironment in lab animals?

The microenvironment refers to the conditions within the animals' cages.

What is the macroenvironment in lab animals?

The macroenvironment refers to the external conditions affecting the animals.

What temperature range is ideal for adult mice?

20-26°C (68-79°F)

What temperature can cause hypothermia in newborn pups?

Temperatures lower than 72°F (22°C)

What temperature can cause heat stroke in adult mice?

Temperatures exceeding 80°F (27°C)

What is the ideal temperature range for rabbits?

16-22°C (61-72°F)

What is the ideal temperature range for cats and dogs?

18-29°C (64-84°F)

What is the ideal temperature range for farm animals and poultry?

16-27°C (61-81°F)

What is the recommended humidity range for lab animals?

10-10% humidity is ideal; low humidity can spoil food and high humidity can cause respiratory issues.

What is the importance of ventilation in animal rooms?

Ventilation prevents the accumulation of gases like ammonia and ensures fresh air exchange.

What is the recommended air exchange rate for static cages?

10-15 exchanges of fresh air per hour.

What is positive pressure ventilation?

A system that maintains higher air pressure in the room, preventing contaminants from entering.

What is negative pressure ventilation?

A system that maintains lower air pressure in the room, allowing outside air to flow in and contaminants to be pumped out.

What is the typical light cycle for lab animals?

A 12:12 light/dark cycle is typical, but variations like 14 hours of light and 10 hours of dark can also be used.

What factors can affect animal data in a lab environment?

Noise, vibration, and odors can all affect data collection.

What are the types of holding systems for aquatic species?

Static short-term systems, flow-through systems, and recirculating systems.

What are the key water quality parameters for aquatic animals?

Chlorine/chloramine levels, pH, temperature, conductivity, water hardness, dissolved oxygen, and nitrogenous waste.

Why is chlorine harmful to aquatic animals?

Chlorine is highly toxic and can cause gill necrosis and damage to the protective slime coat.

How can chlorine be removed from water for aquatic animals?

Using activated carbon filters or neutralizing with sodium thiosulfate.

What does pH measure in water?

The acidity or alkalinity of the water.

What is the ideal pH range for fish?

Between 6 and 8.

What are three important parameters for water quality?

Specific gravity, conductivity, and salinity.

What process removes harmful minerals from water?

Reverse osmosis (RO).

What is the significance of dissolved oxygen levels in water?

They are directly related to the health of aquatic species.

What waste products are monitored in water quality?

Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

What is the role of biological filters in water treatment?

They metabolize and break down ammonia and its byproducts.

What do environmental monitoring systems track?

Lighting, temperature, humidity, and air pressure.

What is bioexclusion?

A barrier that prevents entry of harmful agents into a room.

What is biocontainment?

A barrier that prevents pathogens from being released into the environment.

What type of pressure is maintained in biocontainment rooms?

Negative pressure.

What type of pressure is maintained in bioexclusion rooms?

Positive pressure.