FEEDING MANAGEMENT OF LABORATORY ANIMALS

Abstract

Feeding management is a critical determinant of laboratory animal health, welfare, and the reliability of scientific outcomes. The present study summarizes species-specific feed intake patterns, nutrient requirements, and dietary formulations for commonly used laboratory animals, including mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Average daily feed intake varied markedly among species and physiological states, with intake increasing from growth to adulthood and reaching the highest levels during pregnancy and lactation. Lactating animals showed the greatest feed consumption, reflecting elevated energy and nutrient demands associated with milk production. Among rodents, mice consumed the least feed, whereas rats exhibited substantially higher intake, particularly during lactation. Guinea pigs and rabbits demonstrated considerably higher feed intake overall, consistent with their body size and digestive physiology. Nutrient requirement analysis revealed significant interspecies variation. Protein and metabolizable energy requirements were higher in mice and rats, while guinea pigs and rabbits required increased dietary fiber, reflecting their herbivorous nature and reliance on hindgut fermentation. Vitamin C was required exclusively by guinea pigs due to their inability to synthesize it endogenously. Dietary formulations varied accordingly, with cereal- and legume-based diets used for rodents and higher-fiber, green-fodder–supplemented diets for rabbits and guinea pigs. These findings emphasize that feeding practices must be tailored to species, physiological status, and metabolic characteristics to prevent nutritional imbalances and experimental variability. Adoption of standardized, species-appropriate diets in accordance with established guidelines is essential to safeguard animal welfare and enhance the validity, reproducibility, and scientific integrity of biomedical research.