Abstract:

Abstract:Objective Explore the reasonable usage of corncob bedding for SPF rats and mice in standard IVC system. Method Under the upper limit condition of feeding density required by national standard, the corncob bedding for mouse and rat cages was used in different amounts according to the low, medium and high groups. The weight, feed intake, and fecal weight of rats and mice were recorded every 3 d in a period of 21 d, and the cleanliness of the bedding was scored. Result There were no statistically significant differences in body weight, feed intake, and fecal weight among the three groups of rats and mice within 21 days. Mouse litter cleanliness was significantly different from the high litter group after the 12 days ( P < 0. 001) , and the middle litter group was significantly different from the high litter group after the 9th day ( P < 0. 05 ) . There was not any statistically significant difference in the cleanliness of bedding materials between the three groups in the rat. Conclusion Under the standard IVC system, when the cage change cycle was 7 days, the amount of corncob bedding used for mouse cages is 100 g, and the amount of corncob bedding used for rat cages is 400 g. As the cage change cycle prolongs, the amount of corncob bedding used needs to be increased accordingly.