Learn how to optimize environmental conditions to reduce mouse stress.
- Light cycle: A 14-hour light/10-hour dark cycle or 12 light/12 dark cycle is commonly used. Ensure lights are not used and that researchers and technicians do not enter the mouse room during the dark cycle.
- Temperature and humidity: Temperatures of 65-75°F (~18-23°C) with 40-60% humidity are recommended.
- Diet: Fat content ranges from 4% to 11%; consult your facility manager and Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) to determine preferred diets at your institution.
- Water: Water should be accessible at all times; consult your facility manager and ACUC to for treatment guidelines.
- Minimize handling: Handle mice gently and as little as possible, especially when females are pregnant, close to delivering, or have new litters.
- Minimize noises and vibrations: These can cause stress and decreased breeding performance.
- Minimize odors: Perfumes and other strong odors can reduce breeding performance and induce stress.
- Use gloves and forceps: Minimize scents transferred from cage to cage by changing gloves frequently and disinfecting forceps between cages according to your ACUC guidelines.
- Enrichment: Nestlets (Animal Specialties and Provisions, LLC), NestPaks (WF Fisher and Son), and Shepherd Shacks (Shepherd Specialty Papers) can help alleviate stress and improve breeding.
