Study of Common Laboratory Animals
1. Rat
Species: Commonly used species include the Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats.
Biological Characteristics: Rats have a robust physiology, making them suitable for various experimental models. They have a well-documented genome and exhibit predictable responses to drugs. They have short hair, a long naked tail, rounded erect ears, protruding eyes, and a pointed snout with long whiskers.
Care and Handling: Rats require a clean, spacious environment with proper ventilation. They should be handled gently to minimize stress, and their diet should be nutritionally balanced.
Experimental Use: Rats are used in studies involving toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and behavioral research due to their size and ease of handling.
2. Rabbit
Species: Commonly used species include the New Zealand White and Dutch Belted rabbits.
Biological Characteristics: Rabbits are larger than rats and mice, making them suitable for certain types of surgical and ophthalmological research. They have a relatively long lifespan and are known for their docile nature.
Care and Handling: Rabbits require spacious cages with ample room for movement. They should be provided with a diet rich in fiber and handled gently to prevent injury.
Experimental Use: Rabbits are used in studies involving antibody production, ocular research, and cardiovascular experiments due to their size and physiological characteristics.
3. Mice
Species: Commonly used species include the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice.
Biological Characteristics: Mice are small, easy to house, and have a short reproductive cycle. Their genetic makeup is well understood, and they are highly amenable to genetic manipulation.
Care and Handling: Mice should be housed in a clean, controlled environment with appropriate bedding. Handling should be done with care to avoid injury and stress.
Experimental Use: Mice are extensively used in genetic studies, oncology research, and immunology due to their genetic similarity to humans and the availability of numerous inbred strains.
4. Guinea Pig
Species: Commonly used species include the Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs.
Biological Characteristics: Guinea pigs are herbivores and have a docile nature. They are known for their sensitivity to dietary changes and require a diet rich in vitamin C.
Care and Handling: Guinea pigs should be housed in a clean environment with ample space and proper ventilation. They should be handled gently to avoid stress.
Experimental Use: Guinea pigs are used in studies involving immunology, respiratory research, and nutritional studies due to their unique physiological characteristics.
5. Monkey
Species: Commonly used species include the Rhesus macaque and Cynomolgus monkey.
Biological Characteristics: Monkeys have a close genetic relationship to humans, making them valuable for studying complex physiological and neurological processes. They exhibit complex behaviors and social structures.
Care and Handling: Monkeys require a highly controlled environment with social interaction and enrichment activities. Handling should be done by trained personnel to ensure safety and minimize stress.
Experimental Use: Monkeys are used in studies involving neuroscience, infectious diseases, and vaccine development due to their physiological and genetic similarities to humans.
6. Dog
Species: Commonly used species include the Beagle.
Biological Characteristics: Dogs have a well-documented physiology and are known for their loyalty and trainability. They have a relatively long lifespan and are used in long-term studies.
Care and Handling: Dogs require a spacious environment with regular exercise and social interaction. They should be handled gently and provided with a balanced diet.
Experimental Use: Dogs are used in studies involving cardiovascular research, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology due to their size and physiological characteristics.
7. Frog
Species: Commonly used species include the African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) and the Cane Toad (Bufo marinus).
Biological Characteristics: Frogs have unique physiological characteristics, such as permeable skin and a simple circulatory system, making them suitable for various types of research. They are often used in studies involving developmental biology and toxicology.
Care and Handling: Frogs require a moist environment with access to clean water. They should be handled with care to avoid damaging their delicate skin.
Experimental Use: Frogs are used in studies involving developmental biology, toxicology, and physiology due to their unique biological characteristics.
